Czechia v Ireland in the WC playoff semi-final: Kick-off time, TV details, team news and everything you need to know

FEVER PITCH: Excitement builds as the boys in green prepare for the big night in Prague. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

It all boils down to this, the biggest moment of the Heimir Hallgrímsson reign to date. This is the first of two hurdles Ireland need to clear before World Cup qualification, and they'll have to do it under a hostile atmosphere in Prague on Thursday (7.45pm).

It's coming up on seven months since Irish fans felt hopeless about qualification after a damaging - and frankly depressing - defeat to Armenia in the group stage.

A couple of spirit-lifting wins against Portugal and Hungary later - the latter of which took some last-gasp heroics from Troy Parrott to secure a playoff spot at the death - things are looking much more hopeful. But it's all to be done against a Czech side with a point to prove.

Ireland will be entering the tie with good grace, carrying the elation of that Hungary tie into the clash in Prague. However, the Czechs -  despite smashing Gibraltar 6-0 in their most recent qualifier - will still harbour some apprehension with the loss to Faroe Islands still lingering and a manager who has yet to manage a competitive game for the country. 

Where is the game being played?

The game will be played at the Fortuna Arena in Prague.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off is at 7.45pm on Thursday night. Coverage begins on RTÉ 2 from 7pm. Or you could follow the action with the Examiner Sport liveblog.

What's the team news?

FINAL TOUCHES: Troy Parrott will be fit for the Czech showdown. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Luckily for Hallgrímsson, Ireland have a fully fit squad for the trip to Prague. The Czech's did their best to kick lumps out of Troy Parrott in Prague last week during AZ Alkmaar's trip to Sparta Praha, but the former Tottenham striker made it out relatively unscathed and will be fit to face Miroslav Koubek's side in the Czech capital.

Who's the referee?

Glenn Nyburg (Swe) will be the man in the midde for the crunch clash, the same referee who brandished Cristiano Ronaldo with a red card at the Aviva Stadium in November, when the boys in green won 2-0.

Last four results between Ireland and Czechia

2012: Ireland 1 Czechia 1 (Friendly).

2007: Czechia 1 Ireland 0 (Euro Qualifier).

2006: Ireland 1 Czechia 1 (Euro Qualifier).

2004: Ireland 2 Czechia 1 (Friendly).