WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Spain and Italy confirmed their heavyweight reputations at the European Championship on Monday, advancing to the quarterfinals after winning their final group matches.
Defending champion Spain sealed top spot in Group C with a late goal to beat Croatia 1-0. Croatia’s football association faces a UEFA charge on Tuesday over its fans’ racist abuse of Italy forward Mario Balotelli last week.
Balotelli came off the bench to score Italy’s second goal in a 2-0 victory against Ireland, lifting the Azzurri above Croatia in the standings.
Earlier, UEFA President Michel Platini said he was “not happy” with Croatia fans at Euro 2012.
Meanwhile, UEFA punished Denmark forward Nicklas Bendtner for revealing a sponsor’s name on his underpants.
