Ireland dreams end in shootout heartbreak after Krejci’s late goal rescues Czechs

The Republic of Ireland were riding a wave of confidence into the World Cup playoff semi-final, according to Séamus Coleman, but it struck a rock on an agonising night in Prague. Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side squandered the initiative twice against the Czech Republic, in normal time and in the penalty shootout, as their hopes of qualifying for a first World Cup in 24 years evaporated.

Ireland led 2-0 after 23 minutes courtesy of a Troy Parrott penalty and a calamitous own goal by Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar but they gifted the hosts a route back when Ryan Manning conceded a needless spot-kick. An 86th-minute equaliser from Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci took the game into extra time and then on to penalties.