Without doubt, this World Cup play-off is one that got away for Ireland

The biggest show on earth remains half the world away for the Boys in Green after Ireland's heartbreaking defeat in Prague.

DOWN AND OUT: Ireland’s Finn Azaz dejected after losing to the penalty shootout. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

And to think there was a time when the FAI was blasé enough to refuse invites to World Cups. It felt this last while as if the Republic of Ireland would have to take on half the world just to make it to North America. Well, half of Europe anyway.

Portugal and Ronaldo, the cod, sorted. Hungary beaten in Budapest. Two-nil up on the Czechs through the first quarter of this playoff semi-final and that last hurdle, in Dublin next Tuesday night, felt like it was within touching distance.