The Republic of Ireland have been knocked out of World Cup qualification following a heartbreaking semi-final defeat to Czechia on penalties in Prague. Ireland made a dream start, racing into a 2–0 lead through a Troy Parrott penalty and a Matěj Kovář own goal, but were pegged back by a Patrik Schick spot-kick and a late equaliser from Ladislav Krejčí.

After a scoreless period of extra time, the tie was decided by a shootout. Czech goalkeeper Kovář proved to be the hero, denying both Finn Azaz and Alan Browne from the spot before Jan Kliment converted the winning penalty to send Czechia through and end Ireland’s World Cup hopes.

Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson made two changes from the side that defeated Hungary last November, with Ryan Manning and Jack Taylor coming into the starting line-up.

Ireland started brightly and had two excellent chances in the 6th minute, both falling to Nathan Collins. His powerful half-volley forced a superb save from Kovář, and from the resulting corner, his goal-bound header drifted inches wide.

Ireland were then awarded a penalty in the 16th minute following a VAR review for a foul on Collins. Referee Glenn Nyberg pointed to the spot, and Troy Parrott stepped up to strike the ball firmly into the bottom corner to put Ireland ahead.

The lead was doubled in the 23rd minute when a Ryan Manning corner was headed back across goal by Dara O’Shea, with the ball deflecting off both Vladimír Coufal and Kovář before crossing the line. However, the two-goal advantage was short-lived, as Czechia were awarded a penalty just two minutes later. Patrik Schick fired the ball into the roof of the net to reduce the deficit.

Caoimhín Kelleher was called into action early in the second half, tipping a looping header from Krejčí over the bar. Ireland then came agonisingly close to restoring their two-goal lead when Jayson Molumby’s well-struck effort from the edge of the area cannoned off the base of the post.

As the second half wore on, Czechia enjoyed prolonged spells of pressure, but Ireland's defence held firm with excellent discipline. However, the Irish backline was finally breached in the 85th minute as captain Krejčí met a free-kick at the near post to steer a header past Kelleher and level the match.

Kelleher produced a vital save in the final seconds of added time to deny Krejčí a winner, sending the game to extra time.

After a tense extra-time period, which saw Harvey Vale make his senior Republic of Ireland debut, the contest went to penalties.

Troy Parrott, Adam Idah, and Robbie Brady all successfully converted their spot-kicks, and when Kelleher saved from Mojmír Chytil, Ireland were in a strong position. However, Kovář then denied both Finn Azaz and Alan Browne, allowing Jan Kliment to step up and score the decisive penalty to win the shootout for Czechia.

Czechia: Kovář (GK), Holeš (Chaloupek 46), Hranáč, Coufal (Karabec 82), Krejčí (C), Darida (Souček 46), Schick, Provod, Šulc (Kliment 102), Jurásek (Sadílek 82), Chorý (Chytil 72).
Subs not used: Horníček (GK), Jedlička (GK), Vitík, Červ, Zelený, Višinský.

Republic of Ireland: Kelleher (GK), Coleman (C) (Dunne 96), Manning (Brady 68), O’Shea, O’Brien, Molumby (Szmodics 114, Vale 120), Parrott, Azaz, Taylor (Browne 68), Ogbene (Idah 96), Collins.
Subs not used: Keeley (GK), Travers (GK), Kenny, Egan, Knight, Abankwah.

Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden).