Seamus Coleman has urged the Republic of Ireland to rise to the occasion in Thursday’s World Cup play-off against the Czech Republic.
On the eve of the Republic of Ireland’s biggest match in years, there was no better man than Seamus Coleman to set the emotional tone.
While he has passed the captain’s armband to Nathan Collins, Coleman remains the beating heart of the national team 15 years on from his debut.
Coleman’s Role in Play-Off Preparation
Now 37, what he lacks in speed he makes up for in knowledge and the emotional intelligence needed to meet the moment.
That much was evident four months ago. Starved of first-team action at Everton and left out by Heimir Hallgrimsson in September, he rolled back the years with two spirited displays to help the Republic of Ireland beat Portugal and Hungary in November and set up Thursday’s World Cup play-off against the Czech Republic.
Coleman’s international career has featured the high of captaining his country to a Euro 2016 win over Italy and the low of a horrific injury against Wales the following year.
He considers the Republic of Ireland’s Troy Parrott-inspired 3-2 win in Budapest a highlight, but when he spoke to reporters at Fortuna Arena on Wednesday, he knew to emphasise the future as the squad bid to end the country’s 24-year wait for a World Cup return.
“Yeah [Budapest was a highlight], but ultimately it has to count for something as well,” he said.
“It was great at the time and memories that people will keep forever but it has to count for something, and that is starting tomorrow.
“Listen, when you put on the green shirt, you are representing your people and it is an emotional occasion. We have enough tough days as well so [it is] important to soak in those good days.”
The Importance of Fan Support
Coleman has always had a strong bond with the Irish supporters and knew to highlight the role they will play on Thursday.
The majority of the 6,000 expected in Prague do not have a ticket for the match, but that did not seem to bother those who descended on the city’s Old Town on Wednesday evening as they brought colour and noise to the picturesque cobbled streets.
“It’s incredible, it’s what this football team can do, I’ve said it before the results last time, that this football team can lift the nation and we were proved right with that,” Coleman said of the team’s passionate support.
“We’re so grateful for their support, we’re so grateful that they’re getting here anyway they can, many flights, trains, whatever way they can to be part of it.
“As long as our supporters know that we don’t take that for granted and we want to give them another good night.”
Reflecting on Past Challenges
Coleman is right about the “tough days” on the journey to this point.
The last time the Republic of Ireland graced the World Cup play-offs, before the 2018 tournament, they were hammered 5-1 b