Giovanni Trapattoni is refusing to accept the role of also-rans in Group C, claiming anything is possible in Poland and the Ukraine.
The Italian leads the Republic of Ireland into clashes with Croatia, Spain and Italy in an attempt to reach the quarter finals.
Despite being rank outsiders to progress, the 73-year-old says experience has taught him that there are no foregone conclusions in football, and he can point to 2004 champions Greece as an example of a side that can achieve the unthinkable in tournament football.
"In my life, my rule is never say never," Trapattoni said.
"No result is confirmed until the match is played. I played many times against players who were big, big stars. But I won one-on-one against them. That is a good stimulus.
"Obviously, to dream is easy. There is 90 minutes, 90 minutes, 90 minutes, 90 minutes.
"After five games, maybe the dream comes true."
Trapattoni will become the oldest manager to take charge of a side in the European Championship when the Republic kick off their Euro 2012 campaign against Croatia on Sunday, but he says he has never felt younger.
"It's as if I was 20," he continued. "I am fresh in head and above all, I am hungry for new situations.
"I watch every game and think maybe I can discover another little situation. I want to know new things. I always want to get to know new things that I didn't know before.
"I think I'm like a 20-year-old - but with more experience."
And it is this experience that leads Trapattoni to believe his side can get the win they desperately need against Croatia.
Confident
The Irish drew 0-0 with Slaven Bilic's side in a friendly last summer and the Italian is quietly confident.
He continued: "They are ahead of us in the rankings, but we played them in a friendly game and did well.
"Many players play in England, Germany - our team knows their opponent."
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