Gavin Bazunu produced a man of the match display for Ireland against Serbia and then said it felt like a "different game" with the home fans spurring the players on.
Still a teenager, Bazunu was immense in goal at the Aviva Stadium, pulling off save after save to keep his side in touch after he just failed to keep out Sergej Milinkovic-Savic's 20th minute opener for the World Cup group table-toppers.
His resilience was rewarded with Ireland's 86th minute equaliser through an own goal and Bazunu said: "It was brilliant.
"I had a lot to do and I was happy to be able to make a few saves in the game. I was delighted we were able to come out with a result in the end because I thought the lads deserved it, we put in a really good performance.
"I was delighted to be able to contribute my part for the team. That’s my job as a goalkeeper so hopefully I can continue to do it.
"My first game here was without fans and the difference playing here with all the fans is immense. It’s a different game and helps spur us on to create chances and stay in the game."
Bazunu praised the contribution of his fellow 19-year-old Andrew Omobamidele, who had a towering game in defence on his full debut, having come off the bench in Portugal last week.
"He was unbelievable," said the netminder. "Him coming in, he’s only played a couple of games and the confidence he showed.
"I think that’s what Stephen (Kenny) is trying to do with the squad, bring young lads in and give them a chance. You see what happens, the rewards will pay off in the future."
Omobamidele himself asked for patience from fans as he said the team is trying to build something special.
"The nation has to try and keep faith in us," the Norwich player said. "Portugal had world class players, like Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, and we went toe to toe with them.
"This campaign has been disappointing, with the two draws and a loss, but we can take a lot from it.
"It's my first time playing in the Aviva with the crowd, it was nothing like I'd felt before, it gave you that extra bit of everything. It was my first time experiencing it and hopefully there is more to come."
Omobamidele had a chance to claim a famous victory near the end that was well saved by Predrag Rajkovic.
“I thought it was in," he told RTE. "I was already taking my jersey off when it left my boot but the keeper pulled off a good save.
“The senior boys help out a lot. Even the first time I came into camp, the boys were straight away putting their arm around me, getting me used to the surrounds on and off the pitch which helped a lot.
“We can play, I think the nation just has to try their best to keep faith in us. We saw against Portugal, with world-class players like Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, and we went toe to toe with them.
“Obviously with this campaign it’s been disappointing with the two draws and one loss but I think we can take a lot from it and keep moving forward.”
