Casillas and Spain will show respect (Allsport).

By Paul Walker, PA Sport, Daejeon

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Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas insists Spain will show the Republic of Ireland "total respect" in their round clash - even though he is relieved not to be facing Germany.

Casillas, just 21 and already with two European Cup winners' medals, claims Spain must take Ireland seriously or risk becoming another big name World Cup casualty.

France and Argentina are already been knocked out and if Spain think the Irish will be a soft touch they could go the same way.

Casillas said: "Ireland have come out of a very difficult group they were not expected to qualify from. We will treat them with respect.

"They have drawn with Germany and in their qualifying matches they beat Holland to get here. We would be stupid to under-estimate them."

But there is no doubt Spain breathed a sign of relief when they avoided the Germans by winning Group B with a 100 percent record.

Another of Spain's youngsters, 21-year-old Real Betis midfielder Sanchez Joaquin, could not resist a dig at Mick McCarthy's men.

Joaquin said: "It is good that we are playing Ireland, and it is true that Ireland is known to be less competent than Germany. Even so, we accept that all teams are difficult and we must work hard to get through the second phase."

Spain's words were of respect but in reality they are delighted to be facing Ireland in the showdown in Suwon on Sunday.

Striker Fernando Morientes said: "Germany are considered to be a stronger team than Ireland, but the Irish always do well at international level and they have beaten Holland to get here.

"But we are pleased we are not playing Germany because that wouldn't suit us as they are a very physical side. And we feel we can continue moving forward through this tournament."

Casillas added: "The Irish have emerged from a very difficult section and we have to take that into account and take them seriously. There have been surprises already in this tournament and if we don't give them total respect it could happen to us.

"There's no such thing as an easy game now and the fact that Ireland battled so hard against Germany and Cameroon underlines what they are capable of. These days it doesn't matter whether you play France or South Africa, it is always tough."

But Spain do feel they have completed one job well and are on the brink of another in the last 16.

It is 52 years since they won all their group matches in a World Cup finals and there is a growing belief amongst the Spanish that this is their year.

Boss Jose Camacho does not agree, saying: "This is not a World Cup of surprises, just one where all the teams are equal. France and Argentina could have gone on to win the final if they'd stayed in.

"We know that Ireland rarely lose games, they are a compact, well organised team and it will be very difficult for us."