Ireland vs. Croatia has to be one of the most low key games of the tournament. Ireland has a strong beer history, led by Guinness. Croatia has a tradition in lagers, unfortunately for Croatian fans out there only Karlovacko is imported to Australia. I have bought beers from 3 different stores so we can see the difference in quality from shop to shop. First up for Croatia is the Karlovacko from Purvis Cellars, they will be faced with Kilkenny from Ireland.


Kilkenny
IRELAND
Irish Red Ale
4.3%		 I always love a surger can, and this is the first time I’ve had a Kilkenny surger can. The creamy body is fantastic, and the taste shouldn’t put off lager drinkers. Really impressed with this example from Ireland. It’s a delicious beer.

The one thing on Karlovacko’s, and hence Croatia’s, side is that it is a Czech Pilsner. This bottle had excellent bitterness, pretty impressed actually. Normally this beer is not this good, it’s the best lager of the day.
Karlovacko (P)
CROATIA
Czech Pilsner
5.0%

Karlovacko may have been the best lager of the day, but unfortunately for Croatia the smoothness of the Kilkenny has given Ireland the win. If Ireland can perform on the pitch as cohesively as all of the elements in this beer they will be a force to be reckoned with. This was the best beer match of the tournament so far! For some reason though, I don’t think the game on the pitch will quite live up to the standard…

3-2 win to IRELAND
On the pitch: I don’t really expect either of these teams to challenge for the title, Croatia could almost get out of the group if results go their way and Italy flop massively. Luka Modric is just pure class and with him feeding Jelavic, they will be dangerous. Ireland are going to struggle, Shay Given and Robbie Keane are their best players and they are past their best. I can’t see Ireland winning this game, it’ll either be a draw or a Croatia win. I’ll go 2-0 Croatia.