The Republic of Ireland manager has revealed that he is hoping for a draw in the first match of Group C between the two titans; insisted that winning their first match is fundamental for the Green Shirts.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Giovanni-c14985 Trapattoni is hoping that the first Group C match between Italy and Spain would end in a stalemate, and has stated that the opening match of the pool combined with Ireland’s first game will determine the fate of his team
in Euro 2012.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Republic-of-Ireland-c2987 is placed in the Group C of the tournament alongside World and European Champions Spain, Italy and Croatia.
While Spain will play Italy in the first match of the pool, the Boys in Green will lock horns with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Croatia-c2879 in their first clash of the tournament, and Trapattoni recognizes the importance of both these games.
The Ireland chief is being considered an under-dog in a pool of giants, but the Green Shirts manager believes that a favourable result in the first two matches of their group can substantially help their cause.
The former Fiorentina manager stated that the first hour and a half of the tournament could well prove to be decisive for the Boys in Green.
The Italian tactician added that while a draw or a win will give them a certain advantage, it is important for them to avoid a defeat.
Trapattoni added that the first two games of their pool will be viewed in comparison with each other, and insisted that Ireland must try and exceed all the other teams in their group.
While talking to UEFA.com, the 73-year-old said:
“We know perfectly well that the first match is very important, as important as the other first match, Italy against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Spain-c3011. So the first 90 minutes will have an impact on the tournament. It's very important to win the first match,
which would give us a certain advantage, but it would also be important not to lose. Then you'd need to judge it in light of the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926-Spain result.”
The Ireland manager is mindful of his team’s vulnerability in a tough pool, but stated that stalemates in the two upcoming Group C matches will open for them the possibility of qualifying with just four points.
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