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Seven-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal turned his attention to Euro 2012 and Spain's chances against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday.

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Are there no limits to Rafael Nadal's talent?

The world number two took a little time off from his schedule at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle on Thursday, to show off his football skills in front of hundreds of fans.

Nadal two isn't one to hide his love for football and as a proud Spaniard, he had something to say about his nation's Euro 2012 clash with Republic of Ireland on Thursday.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Rafael Nadal, 11 time Grand Slam champion

"Well, all the Spanish people will expect a victory (against Ireland in Group C on Thursday night)... to win after a good start, we draw against Italy 1-1 and now it's an important match (against the Republic of Ireland) and we have to win this one. We have to be careful, but we probably have one of the best teams and I'm very confident."

Back on the tennis court, Nadal beat Lukas Lacko of Slovakia 7-5, 6-1 in his first singles match since winning a seventh French Open.

Next up for Nadal is an encounter with defending Halle champion, Philipp Kohlschreiber.

But Nadal will definitely take a break from training to watch his compatriots take on the Irish on Thursday night.