Republic of Ireland defender John Egan urges his team-mates to "keep riding

John Egan says the Republic of Ireland must embrace the challenge of this week's play-off semi-final
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].

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.

"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."
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'Late defeat by Portugal a turning point'
Midway through the group campaign, Hallgrimsson's men had banked just one point from a possible nine which came by way of another late show against Hungary as Adam Idah snatched a late leveller in Dublin.

After that dismal away loss in Armenia, they produced a battling display away to Portugal only to suffer their own late heartbreak as Ruben Neves grabbed the only goal of the game in stoppage time.

"It was a really solid performance against one of the best teams in the world [in Lisbon], 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," Egan said of the loss in Portugal.

There is a renewed sense of optimism heading into Thursday's semi-final in Prague at the 19,370-capacity Fortuna Arena which saw more than 6,000 Republic fans apply for their ticket allocation of 1,024.

Many will travel in hope of securing a ticket but while those in green will be outnumbered in the stadium, Egan said the support does not go unnoticed.

"We're all Irish fans too and if we weren't in the squad, we'd probably be trying to get a ticket.

"It's great for everyone to have something to look forward to and we've given ourselves a massive chance of going through.