Republic of Ireland target World Cup play-off victory against Czech Republic
Republic of Ireland defender John Egan has challenged his team-mates to carry their dramatic qualifying momentum into Thursday’s crucial World Cup play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic in Prague.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side kept their North American tournament hopes alive with a sensational stoppage-time victory over Hungary in Budapest last November.
Troy Parrott provided the decisive late strike to secure second place in Group F following a difficult start to their qualification campaign.
Movie-like drama fuels Irish belief
The Boys in Green initially struggled in the group stages, suffering a damaging defeat to Armenia in September that left their progression in serious doubt.
However, the squad rallied spectacularly to rescue their campaign and set up this vital clash at the Fortuna Arena.
“When we went 2-1 down, we still had a feeling we could get the win and for Troy to do what he did felt like you were in a movie,” said Egan.
“We have to keep riding off the back of that wave and keep the confidence and positivity going.”
“These tournaments don’t come around often so when you get a week like this, you have to embrace it and give everything you can to get the result.”
Portugal heartbreak sparked crucial turning point
The 33-year-old centre-back believes a narrow away loss to Portugal served as the unexpected catalyst for their recent resurgence.
Ruben Neves broke Irish hearts with a stoppage-time winner in Lisbon, but the battling performance restored essential belief within the dressing room.
“It was a really solid performance against one of the best teams in the world, so even though it was a loss, the lads came away thinking they were a minute or two away from getting a point and that gives you confidence,” the experienced defender explained.
That resilient display laid the foundation for back-to-back home victories over Armenia and Portugal.
Those crucial results ultimately paved the way for the unforgettable Sunday afternoon in Budapest that secured their play-off berth.
Huge travelling support heads to Prague
If they can overcome the Czechs, the national team will host either Denmark or North Macedonia in a decisive final play-off next Tuesday.
Anticipation is sky-high among the fanbase ahead of the 19:45 GMT kick-off in the Czech capital.
More than 6,000 passionate supporters applied for a meagre away ticket allocation of just 1,024.
Despite being heavily outnumbered inside the 19,370-capacity stadium, thousands more are expected to travel in the hope of witnessing another famous chapter in Irish football history.
