Robbie Keane has told Ireland to 'believe' ahead of their vital game with world champions Spain on Thursday.
Striker says Irish believe they can get a result against Spain.
Robbie Keane has told Ireland to 'believe' ahead of their vital game with world champions Spain on Thursday.
The striker says Giovanni Trapattoni's men have 'nothing to lose' in the game in Gdansk, despite needing a result to keep alive any hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals ahead of the final group game against Italy on Monday.
The disappointing 3-1 defeat to Croatia on Sunday ended the Republic's 15-game unbeaten run and saw them concede three goals in a game for the first time for 18 months.
But Keane says they have to put that result behind them and focus on being the latest side to produce a shock.
He said: "There have been a few upsets in a few games already, so there's no reason why we can't go into Thursday's game believing we can get a result.
"It's by no means going to be an easy game we certainly know that, we know we're up against it."
Threat
Spain started with six midfielders as they drew their opening game with Italy, but Keane says playing without a striker doesn't reduce the threat from Vincente Del Bosque's men.
"I think everyone thought it was a bit strange that they started with six midfielders, but they're probably the best six midfielders in the world.
"No matter who they play we know it's going to be a tough game, they have world class players throughout the squad."
Despite the enormous task facing the squad, Keane refuted suggestions that the Irish would be under any extra pressure.
He continued: "It's going to be no different than it has been before. I mean, before this game people hadn't given us a chance so what have we got to lose?
"There's always pressure, there's pressure before we came into the championship, you have to get results.
"For me it's just another game.
"Of course, it's a massive game but every game we play in is a massive game whether it's in the championship or a qualifier.
"We've been on a good run, of course it's ended a couple of days ago but the lads can't get their heads down thinking too negatively.
Positive
"We have to be positive and look forward to the next game which is Thursday against the world champions.
"We have to approach it the way we have been doing. If you look at the way we conceded goals the other night the timing of the goals absolutely killed us.
"Apart from that they didn't really open us up and create a hell of a lot of chances
"Listen, we still have belief in this squad that we can go into any game and get a result."
