The Republic of Ireland’s bid to reach a first World Cup final in 24 years came to a painful end in Prague, where the Czech Republic prevailed 4-3 on penalties after a chaotic and gripping play-off semi-final. The decisive moment arrived when Jan Kliment calmly converted the winning spot-kick beyond Caoimhin Kelleher, sealing progression to a final against Denmark and leaving the visitors stunned.
Ireland had put themselves in a strong position early on, racing into a two-goal advantage inside 23 minutes. Troy Parrott opened the scoring from the penalty spot, and the lead was doubled soon after when Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. For a period, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side looked firmly in control of the contest.
However, the hosts quickly responded when Patrik Schick reduced the deficit from the spot after Ryan Manning fouled Ladislav Krejci. Despite Ireland appearing composed for much of the second half and going close through Jayson Molumby, who struck the post, Krejci rose late to head in an equaliser in the 86th minute and force extra time.
The shootout itself was filled with tension. Successful penalties from Parrott, Krejci, Adam Idah, Tomas Soucek, and Robbie Brady kept things level, and Kelleher briefly raised Irish hopes with a save from Mojmir Chytil. Yet Matej Kovar denied both Finn Azaz and Alan Browne, and after Schick converted again, Kliment delivered the final blow.
Czechs overcome difficult preparation
This victory stands out given the turbulent circumstances surrounding the Czech Republic in the lead-up to the match. A disappointing qualifying campaign, highlighted by a heavy defeat to Croatia and a shock loss to the Faroe Islands, led to the dismissal of head coach Ivan Hasek. Tomas Soucek was also stripped of the captaincy before Miroslav Koubek took charge.
Koubek made bold calls immediately, including leaving Soucek on the bench at kick-off. The first half reflected the team’s recent struggles, with the hosts offering little threat before Schick’s penalty shifted momentum. Soucek was introduced at the start of the second half to help stabilise the side.
The game remained evenly balanced after the break, but the Czech Republic seized their opportunity late on. Krejci’s header from Michal Sadilek’s set-piece ensured the contest would continue beyond 90 minutes, giving the home crowd renewed belief.
Now, the Czechs are one step away from ending a 20-year absence from the World Cup, with a decisive clash against Denmark awaiting after their opponents comfortably defeated North Macedonia.
Familiar disappointment for Ireland
For Ireland, this defeat adds to a long list of near-misses, marking a sixth consecutive failed attempt to qualify for the World Cup. The manner of the loss will feel particularly cruel, as penalty shootouts have often brought disappointment, including their previous defeat to Slovakia in the Euro 2020 play-offs.
Unlike that empty-stadium encounter, this time the Irish squad had to contend with an intense atmosphere in Prague. Hallgrimsson will be frustrated that his team could not capitalise on periods of dominance, especially after creating several clear opportunities.
Parrott, who had been instrumental in getting Ireland to this stage, once again delivered from the spot, while Nathan Collins and Molumby both came close to extending the lead earlier in the match. Parrott also forced a strong save from Kovar, but Ireland were unable to find the decisive third goal.
Extra time brought further drama, including a concerning moment when Sammie Szmodics was knocked unconscious in an aerial collision shortly after coming on as a substitute. He later regained consciousness in the hospital, but the lengthy delay disrupted the flow of the game.
Ultimately, neither side could find a winner before the shootout, where Ireland’s campaign came to an agonising conclusion. Hallgrimsson must now rally his players for a final fixture against North Macedonia, knowing another World Cup will pass without Irish involvement.