Blasts from the past - Euro 2012 rivals

The Republic of Ireland have been drawn alongside Spain, Italy and Croatia in Group C of the Euro 2012 tournament next summer. The Boys in Green have played out a number of memorable past encounters against those rivals.

SPAIN

1982: Republic of Ireland 3-3 Spain, Lansdowne Road

The Frank Stapleton-inspired Ireland hit back from 3-1 down to claim a memorable Euro 84 qualifying draw on a heavy pitch in Dublin. Ashley Grimes hit a fine opener but Antonio Maceda, a Michael Martin own goal and Victor Munoz left Ireland struggling until Stapleton's second-half double.

1989: Republic of Ireland 1-0 Spain, Lansdowne Road

Jack Charlton's Ireland went on to enjoy a memorable 1990 World Cup campaign but they were struggling in qualifying until Spain's Michel miskicked a clearance into his own net to hand them a vital win.

2002: Republic of Ireland 1-1 Spain (Spain on penalties), Suwon

Spain put Ireland out of the World Cup but only after a dramatic comeback by Mick McCarthy's men. Fernando Morientes gave Spain an early lead but Ireland responded and Ian Harte missed a penalty before Robbie Keane scored one in the last minute. Unfortunately for Ireland, three more spot-kicks were missed in the shoot-out.

ITALY

1994: Republic of Ireland 1-0 Italy, New Jersey

Liverpool and Aston Villa star Ray Houghton cemented his place in Irish folklore with the only goal in a memorable World Cup win at the Giants Stadium.

2009: Republic of Ireland 1-1 Italy, Bari

Robbie Keane struck an 87th-minute equaliser as Ireland claimed a point in a hard-fought World Cup qualifier against 10-man Italy. The Italians, who had Giampaolo Pazzini sent off, led through an early Vincenzo Iaquinta goal.

2009: Republic of Ireland 2-2 Italy, Croke Park

Ireland entertained hopes of automatic qualification for the 2010 World Cup after Sean St Ledger put them ahead after 87 minutes. But Alberto Gilardino hit a late equaliser to condemn them to the play-offs, where France infamously denied them. Glenn Whelan had been on target earlier.

CROATIA

1998: Republic of Ireland 2-0 Croatia, Lansdowne Road

Croatia enjoyed a memorable run to the 1998 World Cup semi-finals but Ireland shocked them to make a perfect start in their Euro 2000 qualifiers. Denis Irwin and Roy Keane scored the goals in the opening 15 minutes.

2004: Republic of Ireland 1-0 Croatia, Lansdowne Road

Robbie Keane scored the only goal when the sides met in a low-key friendly seven years ago.

2011: Republic of Ireland 0-0 Croatia, Aviva Stadium

The sides' most recent meeting, a friendly four months ago, ended goalless but it allowed Ireland to extend an unbeaten run to five games and increased confidence ahead of the final Euro 2012 qualifiers.