DAN BILICKI

Italy 2, Croatia 1 -- If the Italians can take Luka Modric out of the game, it's theirs.

Spain 2, Ireland 0 -- The Spanish midfield is far too much for Ireland to handle.

MORRIS DALLA COSTA

Italy 2, Croatia 1 -- Italy has not beaten Croatia in three tries. Croatia is playing well and looks to go deep into the tournament, but picking Croatia would leave me too many e-mails to answer from Italians ... and I am Italian.

Spain 2, Ireland 0 -- The Irish will try to shut it down with tough defence and get a goal on the break. It won't happen. Spain will get one and Ireland will push forward and give up a second. Darn!

KURTIS LARSON

Italy 1, Croatia 1 -- Croatia is capable of grabbing three points, but Italy's clamp-down defence holds up.

Spain 4, Ireland 1 -- You get the sense that of all the group games this one could get out of hand.

MIKE ZEISBERGER

Italy 2, Croatia 1 -- Any doubts critics may have had concerning the Azzurri should have been put to rest with their fine outing against Spain.

Spain 2, Ireland 0 -- The defending world champs aren't about to go two games without a victory.