Nikica Jelavic's late goal has given Croatia a 2-1 half-time lead over the Republic of Ireland in their Euro 2012 Group C encounter at the Municipal Stadium in Poznan.

Giovanni Trapattoni's side got off to the worst possible start when Mario Mandzukic was on hand to head in after only two minutes to put Croatia in front.

Both sides failed to make much of an impact in front of goal after that until Sean St Ledger shook off Vedran Corluka to head in Aiden McGeady's free kick on 18 minutes.

Shay Given was the busier of the two goalkeepers in the opening half and had to get down low to push away Ivan Perisic's fizzing drive.

The Irish veteran was on hand again towards the end of the half as he gathered Luka Modric's effort.

With the half-time whistle fast approaching, Croatia regained the lead when Jelavic poked in after Ireland had failed to clear their lines.