Republic of Ireland’s World Cup hopes were cruelly and heartbreakingly dashed as Czech Republic came from 2-0 down – to then beat them on penalties.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side had a two-goal lead in Prague and were four minutes away from hanging onto it – before Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci headed in a corner to force extra-time.
Ireland were also a handful of penalties away from going through, as penalty saving expert Caomhin Kelleher saved from Mojmír Chytil in the shoot-out to give them a momentary advantage.
But Finn Azaz and Alan Browne both missed their spot kicks, allowing Patrick Schick and then Jan Kliment to win it for the hosts.
As a result, Czech Republic will go on to face Denmark on Tuesday for a spot at the World Cup – as Ireland’s wait for a first World Cup appearance since 2002 goes on.
Itaeland’s players walk off the pitch after defeat
How Ireland threw away their lead
Ireland came flying out the blocks flying in Prague. Four shots in the opening ten minutes, including Nathan Collins crashing a shot off the bar from range, set the tone for a brilliant display – and they got their rewards.
A long throw caused chaos and Nathan Collins was deemed to have been caught slightly late by Vladimir Darida by VAR, who sent referee Glenn Byberg to the monitor for a review.
Troy Parrott, who else, crashed in the penalty for his sixth goal in the last three Ireland matches. And it got better for Ireland four minutes later.
Ryan Manning’s corner found Dara O’Shea at the back post and his header across was cleared off the line by Vladimir Coufal – but off goalkeeper Matej Kovar and over the line.
Czech Republic goalkeeper Matej Kovar scores an own goal to give Republic of Ireland a 2-0 lead
Ireland were in dreamland but a moment of Manning madness brought the Czech Republic back into it. The defender’s needless tug back on Krekci – when the ball was heading out of play – was penalised by referee Byberg, with Patrick Schick pulling one back from the spot.
Ireland did, however, manage to settle the nerves down – right throughout the second half. Despite sustained Czech pressure in the second half, they barely threatened.
It was Ireland who had the better chances after the break, with Jayson Molumby striking the post and Parrott denied by a solid Kovar save at a corner. But then heartbreak struck with four minutes of normal time remaining, as Krejci bundled the ball in at the near post from a set piece.
Krejci could have even won it with the last kick of the game but scuffed his finish, as extra-time came.
Substitute Tomas Soucek missed a glorious chance for the hosts, with Adam Idah was denied a one-on-one chance by a goal-saving challenge from Stepan Chaloupek. Penalties came and the lottery fell in the hosts’ favour.
Jan Kliment scored the winning goal in the penalty shootout
More to follow.
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