Czechia v Ireland: World Cup road ends in despair after penalty shootout defeat

Czechia came from two down to defeat Ireland on penalties in the World Cup playoff. 

Czechia goalkeeper Matěj Kovář saves the penalty of Finn Azaz of Republic of Ireland in the penalty shootout during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers play-off semi-final match between Czechia and Republic of Ireland at Fortuna Arena in Prague, Czechia. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

World Cup playoff: Czechia 2 Ireland 2 FT penalties it is.

So tough on the Ireland lads. Nightmare for Azaz and Browne, who didn't take great pens. We'll leave it there on the live blog for tonight as we turn attention to getting the inquest together on the website and paper. Thanks for tuning in. A night that began so positively ends in tears.