Jesus Navas scored a late goal on Monday to give defending champions Spain a 1-0 win over Croatia and a spot in the European Championship quarterfinals.The World Cup winners topped group C with seven points ahead of Italy, who beat Ireland 2-0 to clinch second place on five points.
Croatia finished on four with Ireland pointless.
Andres Iniesta passed to Navas inside the area after Spain broke the offside trap, and the substitute forward kicked the ball into an empty in the 88th minute.
Spain dominated possession as expected but failed to create clear many opportunities at the Arena Gdansk.
Croatia could have reached the last eight with a victory but goalkeeper Iker Casillas made a pair of big saves in the second half to keep the score level.
The Spain goalkeeper made a reflex save on Ivan Rakitic's header in the 59th minute before punching out substitute Ivan Perisic's low volley in the 79th.
At Poznan, Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli scored in each half in Italy's 2-0 victory over Ireland.
Cassano headed in with his back to the goal by the near post following a corner kick in the 35th minute on a warm and muggy night at the Municipal Stadium.
Substitute Balotelli scored in the second half.
Italy controlled the match for long stretches but Ireland - coached by former Azzurri skipper Giovanni Trapattoni - threatened often with counterattacks.
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