The Republic of Ireland's hopes of reaching a first World Cup in 24 years ended in penalty shootout heartbreak after they blew a two-goal lead against the Czech Republic in Prague. Heimir Hallgrímsson's side dominated early but conceded a needless penalty and a late equaliser before losing 5-4 on spot-kicks.
Ireland led 2-0 after 23 minutes as Troy Parrott's penalty and a bizarre own goal from Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar put them in control. However, Ryan Manning's foul on Ladislav Krejci gifted the hosts a penalty, converted by Patrik Schick, and Krejci equalised in the 86th minute.
Extra time failed to separate the sides, and Ireland again had the advantage in the shootout after Caoimhín Kelleher saved the first Czech effort. But misses from Finn Azaz and Alan Browne allowed Jan Kliment to score the decisive spot-kick, sending the Czech Republic into a final against Denmark.
“Just pain, we all feel pain,” said Hallgrímsson. “When you go this far it’s a flip of a coin. Just pain we feel being that close.” The defeat extended Ireland's miserable record in World Cup playoffs to five losses in six attempts, with the manager lamenting the timing of the Czech penalty after his side had regained control.
The Czech Republic, in turmoil with a new 74-year-old manager Miroslav Koubek and a match-fixing investigation, had barely threatened before Manning's error handed them a lifeline. Ireland now face the realisation that their most promising campaign in years ended with the same old story of playoff agony.
