Ireland fell 1-0 to Switzerland on Tuesday night. It was a performance, and result, that takes much of the gloss off Ireland's scoreless draw with Belgium at the weekend, and makes the near future for the Ireland's men's team look quite murky. On dour nights like these, it's important to be reminded of the joy that players take in representing their country and it's hard find a footballer on earth happier tonight than Finn Azaz.
The 23-year-old Middlesbrough midfielder has been lighting up the Championship this year. He was introduced in the second half by Ireland interim manager John O'Shea with Ireland badly needing some spark in attack. Azaz made his presence felt almost immediately and had co-commentator Gary Breen shouting 'hit it! hit it!' on the top of his lungs.
He also had a decent half chance in injury time.
𝐀𝐙𝐀𝐙 𝐂𝐀𝐍'𝐓 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐘 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐍-𝐈𝐒𝐇!
Finn Azaz has made quite the impact since coming on. His injury time shot is blocked!
🇮🇪 0-1 🇨🇭#COYBIG pic.twitter.com/OFI4QgtnSg— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 26, 2024
SEE ALSO: John O'Shea Reveals Ireland Pair's Halftime Fury At Decision That Led To Swiss Winner
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Finn Azaz: 'I'm just buzzing'
It was a memorable debut and while speaking to Ann-Marie Keegan of Virgin Media Sport, Azaz literally could not wipe the smile off his face.
Most important thing I'm just so proud to make my debut for Ireland, for my family, for the country.
When asked if he knew whether he'd make an appearance, he said he had an 'inkling'.
I had an inkling but I didn't know. A few lads came on. I was sitting there, I was like 'please let me get on the pitch'. I'm just buzzing I was able to get on the pitch.
Debut man Finn Azaz didn't get a goal tonight but you can tell how meaningful making his Irish bow is to him 💚
"I had an inkling! I'm buzzing."
🎤 @AnnMarie_Keegan#COYBIG pic.twitter.com/17Tr9hoQtg— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 26, 2024
Azaz grew up in Birmingham and is of Irish and Israeli heritage. He was called up for his Ireland senior squad by John O'Shea and he's exactly the kind of attacking talent that Ireland has been calling out for.
He also seems like a legitimately brilliant guy, as the recent profile in the Athletic shows.
Watching Ireland might be extremely trying at the moment, but it's brilliant to see the pride the likes of Finn Azaz have in wearing the shirt.
