Croatian papers on Monday hailed their team’s 3-1 victory against Ireland in the Group C Euro 2012 opener, praising ‘hero Mario Mandzukic’ whose two goals opened the way for a possible place in the quarter-finals.

“We can make it to the end!” read the Jutarnji List daily frontpage headline.

“The important victory against Ireland justified (coach Slaven) Bilic’s optimism,” the paper said stressing that after the first match Croatia were leading in the group with three points.

“Croatia is now in a very favourable position although real battles are still ahead of us,” the Jutarnji List commented but estimated that “with such a game we can successfully face both Italy and Spain.”

“SuperMandzo!” read the largest circulating Vecernji List frontpage headline with a photo of Wolfsburg’s striker who was named man of the match.

The 26-year old Mandzukic opened the scoring in the third minute and headed his second after the break to make it 3-1.

“With an excellent game Croatia broke Ireland 3-1 and now it is the Azzurri’s turn!” the paper said in a reference to Italy, the next opponent.

“Fiery Hurricane! - Mandzukic destroyed the Irish!” read the Sportske Novosti sports daily frontpage.

Vatreni (the Fiery Ones) is the nickname of the Croatian national side.