Welcome to today's official open thread for discussing Group C action, as Italy takes on Croatia in the early match and the Republic of Ireland faces the herculean task of trying to knock off Spain later this afternoon.

I was surprised by how good Italy looked against Spain; and by how positive their approach was and the pace apparent in their side. I thought Andrea Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Cassano were all phenomenal against Spain on Sunday. Michael at Zonal Marking has been doing a typically excellent job looking at the tactical experimentation being done by Italian manager Cesare Prandelli and his 3-5-2 formation. The Italians will face a stubborn test in a dangerous Croatian side that knows a win will essentially take them into the quarterfinals.

Will there be a striker for Spain? That is the burning question in world football today. What will Vicente del Bosque do? And if he opts for a striker who will be preferred?

So please drop by and share your thoughts with us!