Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has warned his team to expect to find themselves in "unpredictable situations" at Euro 2012.

Trapattoni, who took charge of Ireland in 2008, insists that such situations will arise regardless of how prepared he and his team might be. Meanwhile, he admits that the side's first match against Group C opponents Croatia will be "critical" to their tournament.

"Something unpredictable can happen in each match," he said. "We are confident, but we have to be aware of that.

"You can prepare for a match, but I watch matches and I prepare well, and then there are [still] unpredictable situations.

"The first match is critical. The Irish nation is confident about this team."

Ireland meet Croatia at the Stadion Miejski in Poznan this evening.