Mohan maintained his policy of continuity, sticking with 10 of the same players for the third game in a row. Czech skipper David Heidenreich was first to try his luck, unleashing a shot after two minutes which sailed just over Brian Maher’s crossbar. The former Southampton striker raced onto a long ball out of defence to shrug off a challenge from Heidenreich on the left. With news of France taking the lead against Norway filtering through, a margin of error emerged and Ireland almost needed it. CZECH REP: M Kovar; V Mika (Z Konopasek 46), D Zima, D Heidenreich, M Fulaka (D Finek 18); D Machacek (L Husek 85), F Kaloc; V Kusej, T Zlatohlevk (T Solil 78), M Kohut; T Kepl (J Selnar 78).

Source: Irish Independent July 21, 2019 19:30 UTC