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Marco Tardelli consoles goalscorer Sean St Ledger after Sunday night's defeat in Poznan. ©INPHO/James Crombie

Tardelli upbeat as Ireland's 'Cinderella' story continues

“The players want to do something very important for the country. We believe. We will go out on to the pitch to win the match.”

GIVEN THAT IRELAND are unlikely to see much of the ball on Thursday night, Marco Tardelli’s description of the team, today, as “Cinderella” is probably apt.

The assistant manager, however, doesn’t feel that any extensive makeover is needed to prevent the team having to go home before the party really gets started. He described the mood in the camp as “perfect”.

“You saw during the training that the players want to play a good match against Spain.

“We have two or three days to decide. Maybe it’s possible to change something, but for me and for Giovanni, the players played well and did their best.”

He admitted, though, that the management team did have to pick the players up after Croatia… but continued their positive spin on the performance.

“Yes, it’s normal. We spoke with them. They are professional players and it’s normal after a defeat that the players are upset.

“But we need to see the performance and not the defeat because we conceded three goals in a strange way. We are ready for the next match.

The players want to do something very important for the country. We believe. We will go out on to the pitch to win the match. But, in football, there are three results and sometimes all things are possible.

We can shock Spain, says defiant Trapattoni

Any chance of a walkover, lads? Croatia in dock for flares, smoke bombs‎

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    Mute Victoria Hall
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    Jun 12th 2012, 2:07 PM

    At least Cinderella had a ball!

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    Mute Paul Robinson
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    Jun 12th 2012, 2:29 PM

    keep the faith. stranger things have happened. we have nothing to lose now so we’ll go out and give it everything. the odds will be huge so i’m putting a fiver on our boys.

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    Mute Brian
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    Jun 12th 2012, 2:08 PM

    A draw would at least give us something to play for in the final game. We need a lot of things to go our way but we’re due a bit of luck after Croatia. Just hope Shay Given gets some form back and be at his best as he was a little rubbish on Sunday.

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    Mute damian
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    Jun 12th 2012, 2:56 PM

    We’re going to get dry-humped I fear!

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    Mute richard ferris
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    Jun 12th 2012, 2:41 PM

    This thing well be well over by midnight on Thursday

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    Mute richard ferris
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    Jun 12th 2012, 2:43 PM

    I have even heard that following the Italy match when Spain didn’t start with a striker, that they are going to start this game without a goalie.

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    Mute Grant Grieve
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    Jun 12th 2012, 3:44 PM

    I am a bit confused by the headline….where’s the “cinderella story”?

    It would be relevant if they got to the quarter finals…poor headline Journal!

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    Mute conor coughlan
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    Jun 12th 2012, 2:34 PM

    no spain play 6 midfields and if there is a proper reff im sure we can do it easilyn

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    Mute gingerman
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    Jun 12th 2012, 2:09 PM

    Ugly sisters would be more apt

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