Giovanni Trapattoni refused to write off the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2012 dream despite a humiliating opening defeat in Poland on Sunday night.

The manager and his players looked stunned by Croatia’s 3-1 victory, which could leave Ireland needing to defeat both Spain and Italy to advance to the last eight.

After captain Robbie Keane apologised to the travelling fans who, unlike their team, lit up the tournament with their extraordinary support inside and outside the stadium, Trapattoni said his team could still pull off a major surprise to reach the quarter-finals in Ukraine.

Nowhere to hide: Ireland's Damien Duff and John O¿Shea are left totally dejected at the final whistle in Poznan

‘We have to believe this because until now... we don’t lose many [games] or concede [goals] like we did this evening. We should not forget all that,’ he said.

Two goals from Mario Mandzukic and one from Nikica Jelavic were the difference for Croatia, who were rocked only slightly and briefly by Sean St Ledger’s equaliser.

It was the timing of the goals that really destroyed Ireland as they suffered their first defeat in 15 games on the big stage. It was their heaviest defeat in a major finals.

Keane said: ‘It goes without saying that Irish supporters are always in good voice and you have seen the numbers that turned out and I am gutted for them that we didn’t get a result for them.

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