Giovanni Trapattoni is adamant that the Republic of Ireland are still in contention for qualification to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012.
Ireland currently sit bottom of Group C after losing 3-1 to Croatia on Sunday and face the daunting task of trying to overcome reigning European and World champions Spain on Thursday.
The manager himself has come under scrutiny for his tactics and team selection, but Trapattoni has no doubts that his side can still progress to the knockout stages and that a win over the holders would change the outlook of the group.
"We can hope. We have a very delicate situation now," said Trapattoni.
"We are playing against a very strong team [in Spain] but if we win, we can have another attitude.
"Italy and Spain after the first game each have one point. At this moment, it's all open.
"Only after Thursday can we say if we have an opportunity or not."
Ireland face Spain in their second Group C game, while Croatia meet Italy.
Matt Cotton
