Finn Azaz is ready for the biggest game of his life as the Republic of Ireland seek to take a huge step towards the World Cup in Prague.
Ireland face Czechia in Prague, knowing that a win would leave then just one home game away from qualifying for soccer's biggest event.
Azaz has played a major role in helping Ireland get to this stage looks certain to be named in the starting XI at the Fortuna Arena (7.45pm Irish time).
Having turned in his best performance in a green shirt in Ireland’s 2-0 victory over Portugal, Azaz went one better in Hungary, with his dynamic running from midfield and support of Troy Parrott, helping to create the most unlikely of comebacks.
The Southampton midfielder sent through the lofted ball that set up Parrott for the equaliser and much will ride on the partnership between Azaz and the AZ Alkmaar striker in Prague.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport, Azaz admitted that the clash with Czechia is the biggest game of his life, but it’s one he feels ready for.
He said: "Yeah, there's no point in denying it, it's a huge game but I think our mentality as a team is really strong and I think we know how big it is.
"But we also know that we're capable of winning the game. The November camp showed us what we're capable of. We're going into the knowing how big it is but also with the knowledge of what we're capable of now."
That wisdom has been hard won and the final 20 minutes of Ireland's 3-2 victory over Hungary provided the kind of baptism of fire in which great teams can be forged.
For Azaz, the end of that game was difficult to take in. He admits that much of it is a blur to him still, but he also believes that it has created a new standard that his side have to reach again.
"To be involved in the game was really special," he said.
"Obviously people speak to me about it and it's different from my point of view. It was all just kind of a blur, the last 20 or so minutes.
"But yeah, to do it within that game and come through it shows where the benchmark is for this team now.
"Also, to come back from that, it just gives us so much confidence.
"[It was] just a special, special moment. Thinking back on it is, it is really amazing. But we've got a job to do now. As amazing as it was, it's gone now. We've got to look at Czech Republic and beating them. We want to make some new memories."
While Azaz is encouraged by the resilience and ability to turn a game around that Ireland have shown, he’s eager not to be become reliant upon it or get carried away heading into the game in Prague.
"We know there's fight in us, but there is a danger of thinking that we've beaten these two teams [and that's enough]. I think the mentality has to be to focus on Czech Republic.
"We know how tough the game is going to be. We know that they're going to be a good, organised, physical team with a lot of quality.
The preparation is done, the excitement is palpable - @OFlynnPaul and @Corktod have the latest news from the Republic of Ireland camp ahead of tomorrow's play-off against Czechia in Prague #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/w362YMwZ0x
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) March 25, 2026
"Knowing the performance level that we can get to, we will have confidence in that coming from the last camp, coming from the past year or two. We're just focusing on ourselves, focusing on our own performance.
"We've beaten two really good teams and put in two really good performances. I think bringing that mentality into this camp is so important and I can see it training.
"I can see it around the hotel that everyone's fully focused on tonight and like I said, we know what we're capable of but we're not looking back at the last camp, we're looking at this game tonight.
"This is the most important game tomorrow."
Watch Czechia v Republic of Ireland on Thursday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow our live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app or listen to commentary on Inside Sport on RTÉ Radio 1
