Republic of Ireland defender John Egan says Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side must “keep riding off the back” of November’s last-gasp win away to Hungary when they face the Czech Republic in Thursday’s World Cup play-off semi-final [19:45 GMT].
With victory necessary in Budapest, it appeared the Republic were set to come up just short when level deep into stoppage time before Troy Parrott popped up to poke home the winner which kept alive their hopes of qualifying for this summer’s tournament in North America.
From the low of their disappointing defeat away to Armenia in September which put their qualification hopes on the back foot, they managed to turn it around as that memorable victory sealed second place in Group F.
“We knew we needed to win but had a lot of belief going there,” said the 33-year-old Egan, whose side visit the Czechs before a possible home final play-off against either Denmark or North Macedonia next Tuesday.
“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.
“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.”