Cruel end to the dream on night of much promise for Ireland as Slovakia progress 

Cruel doesn't describe it.

Matt Doherty of Republic of Ireland reacts after missing his penalty, as Slovakia players celebrate, following defeat in the penalty-shootout of the UEFA EURO2020 Qualifying Play-Off semi-final. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

The dream is over. Stephen Kenny's Republic of Ireland could have won this Euro 2020 playoff semi-final after 90 minutes. They had chances to clinch it during the 30 that followed but a game compromised by Covid-19 was eventually lost to the visitors via the ultimate lottery of a penalty shootout.

Ireland started slowly but grew into the game and even dominated some of it with a style of football which the new manager had promised but seen so rarely in recent decades. The pity now is that we won't witness some more of it in Dublin at the finals next summer.