Ireland’s World Cup dream over after penalty heartbreakBy Damian Spellman, Press AssociationJan Kliment fired the Czech Republic to within 90 minutes of the World Cup finals as they broke Republic of Ireland hearts in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to set up a showdown with Denmark. Parrott had to wait as the Czechs protested, but eventually thumped his spot-kick low to Kovar’s right to give the visitors a dream start. However, the hosts grabbed a lifeline with 27 minutes gone when Nyberg awarded a second penalty, this time for Manning’s needless tug on Krejci’s shirt, and Schick duly obliged from 12 yards. But the sting in the tail came with just four minutes remaining when Krejci powered substitute Michal Sadilek’s free-kick past helpless goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to level. There were worrying scenes in extra time when Sammie Szmodics collided with fellow substitute Stepan Chaloupek and had to be carried from the field on a stretcher, but Ireland’s hopes were dashed in cruel fashion as Kovar’s night took a distinct turn for the better.

Source: Irish Independent March 26, 2026 23:49 UTC