The Republic of Ireland’s World Cup hopes were brutally and heartbreakingly dashed as the Czech Republic came from 2-0 down to win on penalties.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side built a two-goal lead in Prague and came close to holding the lead with four minutes to go before Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci headed home a corner kick to force extra time.
Ireland also came close to breaking through with just a few more penalties, as penalty saving expert Caomhin Kelleher briefly gained the upper hand in the shootout with a save from Mosimir Sitir.
However, Finn Azaz and Alan Brown missed their spot-kicks, allowing Patrik Schick and Jan Kliment to seal the victory for the hosts.
As a result, the Czech Republic will play Denmark on Tuesday for a spot in the World Cup, with Ireland looking to qualify for their first World Cup since 2002.
Wales and Northern Ireland’s semi-final defeats also mean England and Scotland will be the only teams from Great Britain and Ireland to compete at this summer’s World Cup.
Itailand players leave the pitch after the defeat
How Ireland took the lead
Ireland came flying off the block to Prague. Four shots in the first 10 minutes, including Nathan Collins’ shot that went wide over the bar, set the tone for a great performance. And they received their reward.
A long throw caused confusion and Nathan Collins was judged by VAR to have missed Vladimir Dalida’s catch slightly late, sending referee Glenn Byberg to the monitor for a second look.
Troy Parrott also fell on a penalty, scoring his sixth goal in Ireland’s last three games. And four minutes later, things were looking good for Ireland.
Dara O’Shea hit the back post from a Ryan Manning corner and his header was cleared on the goal line by Vladimir Coufal, but it hit goalkeeper Matej Kovar and went over the line.
Czech Republic goalkeeper Matej Kovar scored an own goal to give the Republic of Ireland a 2-0 lead.
Ireland were in dreamland, but Manning’s moment of madness brought the Czech Republic back to dreamland. Referee Byberg awarded a penalty for a defender pulling Krekci unnecessarily when the ball was heading out of play, and Patrik Schick deducted a point from the spot.
However, Ireland managed to ease the tension throughout the second half. Czech pressure continued in the second half, but they hardly threatened.
It was Ireland who had the chance after the break, with Jason Molumby hitting the post but Parrott denied him with a solid save from Kobar for a corner. But the heartbreak struck when, with four minutes of normal time left, Kureishi curled the ball into the near post from a set piece.
Krejci could have won with the last kick of the match, but the finish hurt as overtime came.
Substitute Tomas Soucek missed a bright chance for the hosts as Adam Aida was denied a one-on-one chance by a goal-saving challenge from Stepan Chaloupek. A penalty was imposed and the draw was in favor of the organizers.
Jan Kliment scored the winning goal in the penalty shootout
Hallgrimsson confident in Ireland’s future despite ‘pain’
Republic of Ireland national team coach Heimir Hallgrimsson:
“In one word: pain. I feel the pain. I’m proud of the players’ performance. They gave everything. Even after the loss, I want to thank all the supporters who supported us throughout the game. I feel proud to be part of that group. Personally, I know that all the players are feeling the pain right now. Just the pain.”
“We cherish the fact that we can play against teams that are higher up in the FIFA rankings and that we can punch above our weight. Portugal, Hungary and here. We can compete with these teams. We came here on a three-game winning streak, which is the first time in a long time for this national team.
“This team is growing. It’s maturing. It was the biggest game most of these players have played in. It’s encouraging to know we’re growing. It’s weird to say that after losing today.”
“I know there’s a bias on this, but all the statistics and indicators of the team have improved. Big games, always on the line, always overcoming critical situations. This shows the resilience, the character of the players, and that’s what keeps me confident.”
