Momentum, the intangible but vital force in knockout football, is playing a decisive role in the World Cup playoff preparations for Wales and the Republic of Ireland following the draw.
Wales enters the fray on a high, powered by the incredible momentum of their recent 7–1 victory over North Macedonia. That confidence is the team’s greatest asset heading into their home semi-final against Bosnia & Herzegovina.
The Republic of Ireland’s belief is fueled by the sensational five-goal run by Troy Parrott, providing the team with a potent attacking threat to take into their tough away match against the Czech Republic in Prague.
Northern Ireland, while lacking recent winning momentum, will rely on the huge motivation of facing Italy. For all three, maintaining peak psychological and physical form into the March 26 semi-finals will be the key to advancing to the March 31 finals.
