Marco Tardelli does not consider the Republic of Ireland to be the “Cinderella” of Euro 2012 Group C.

Ireland were left at the foot of the table on Sunday night after their 3-1 defeat in Croatia, which came in the wake of the 1-1 draw between Spain and Italy.

They will remain there if they do not come away from their intensely difficult showdown with world and European champions Spain in Gdansk on Thursday night with something to show for their efforts, and know defeat would prove fatal.

However, assistant manager Tardelli insists they will run out against Vicente del Bosque’s all-conquering superstars with no inferiority complex hampering their efforts.

Asked if there is more or less pressure on the Republic, the Italian said: “That’s a good question because you might think we are the Cinderella of the group, but no, we are not the Cinderella.

“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. In football, there are three results and sometimes, all things are possible.”