Republic of Ireland interim manager John O’Shea said his team “found a way to win” in Tuesday’s last-minute 2-1 victory over Hungary in Dublin.
Troy Parrott scored the 92nd-minute winner to end Hungary’s 14-game unbeaten run, who will face Germany, Scotland and Switzerland in the Euro 2024 final.
O’Shea, who won his first victory as interim coach, is overseeing the team’s games against Hungary and away Portugal on 11 June, having initially taken interim charge of the March games against Belgium and Switzerland.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said it hopes to have a permanent successor to Stephen Kenny, who left in November, in time for the start of the Nations League in September.
O’Shea admitted his team performed better against Belgium and Switzerland, which ended in defeat and a draw, but the result was the most important.
“We got a win tonight, we found a way to win,” said the former Manchester United defender.
“That’s what we talked about before. That was really important to us.”
Adam Idah headed for the hosts before Adam Lang equalized just before half-time.
Parrott’s late winner, where he pounced on a defensive error to slot home and score, saw O’Shea celebrate with players and staff on the bench.
“The situation I find myself in: I was born in Waterford and I’m an Ireland manager. We won a game in my third game in charge,” added the 43-year-old.
“We played against Belgium and Switzerland, two really good teams, and now we face a team that was unbeaten in 14 games. I am very proud of the entire team, the defense team and most importantly the players.
“They put dedication and application. Yes, we should be better and we can be better and we will be better.”
O’Shea said he “knew the type of form” of Parrott after the 22-year-old scored a hat-trick in Excelsior Rotterdam’s 4-1 victory over NAC Breda.
“I talked about how everyone would be needed, especially at this time of year because it is a difficult time for a team,” he added.
“A little more detail about our passing in the first half and we would have really opened Hungary up.”
The Republic of Ireland travels to Portugal on June 11th, in the last game before their debut in the Nations League, against England, in September.
O’Shea’s future beyond the game in Aveiro is unclear, but he says he wants to “enjoy” the victory over Hungary before turning his attention to Portugal.
“They are probably one of the favorites for the Euros and will be in contention,” said O’Shea.
“We won a football game again, we’re really going to enjoy it, but we’re going to get through everything and then prepare for Portugal.”
