Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane is supremely confident that his side will show drastic improvement when they meet Spain in New York on Tuesday.
The LA Galaxy striker and his Irish teammates take on the European and World champions at the Yankee Stadium in a friendly with an upgraded showing the order of the day following the 4-0 loss to La Furia Roja at Euro2012 last summer.
"It was difficult for everyone because of the manner in which we were beaten by teams (at Euro 2012), whereas in the past, that has never been the case," said Keane.
"The way we set our stall out to play against these teams and how we are always a very, very hard team to beat, for whatever reason at the Euros, it just didn't happen for us.
"In saying that, we were playing against the two eventual finalists, Italy and Spain, but the way we were beaten was disappointing for everybody.
"But now seeing the players the last two weeks, the younger lads, the way they have stepped up to plate in training, they have been absolutely magnificent, so it's certainly looking good now."
