Jan Kliment delivered the decisive penalty kick to propel Czechia into a World Cup playoff final against Denmark, shattering Republic of Ireland’s hopes in a heart-stopping shootout at the Fortuna Arena.
The substitute’s spot-kick sealed victory after Finn Azaz and Alan Browne’s efforts were saved by Matej Kovar, earning Czechia a Tuesday showdown with the Danes for a spot at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ireland nearly triumphed, falling short by just four minutes as Ladislav Krejcí headed home to level the score. The visitors had surged to a 2-0 lead within 23 minutes, evoking dreams of their first World Cup since 2002.
Republic of Ireland 2-2 Czechia (Pens) in WC Qualifier
Early Ireland Dominance and Czechia Fightback
Troy Parrott, fresh off a hat-trick in Hungary that secured Ireland’s playoff semifinal spot, calmly converted a 19th-minute penalty. Minutes later, Kovar’s unfortunate own goal doubled the lead after Nathan Collins headed Ryan Manning’s corner into the six-yard box, with Vladimir Coufal’s clearance rebounding off the post and the keeper.
Czechia responded swiftly in the 27th minute. Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg awarded a penalty for Manning’s tug on Krejcí’s shirt, and Patrik Schick slotted it home in Miroslav Koubek’s first game in charge.
Ireland squandered chances, including Collins heading wide from Azaz’s corner and Kovar tipping Collins’ shot onto the crossbar after it clipped Robin Hranác. Jayson Molumby’s 53rd-minute strike hit the post, and Kovar palmed away Parrott’s 81st-minute header from Dara O’Shea’s flick-on.
Late Drama and Penalty Heartbreak
The equalizer arrived with four minutes left: Krejcí powered in Michal Sadílek’s free kick past Caoimhín Kelleher.
Extra time brought concern as Sammie Szmodics collided with Stepán Chaloupek and left on a stretcher. In the shootout, Czechia triumphed 4-3 despite Ireland’s gritty display under Heimir Hallgrímsson.
The initial penalty came after Vladimir Darida fouled Collins inside the box following Provod’s header from Jake O’Brien’s long throw, with Nyberg reviewing via VAR.
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Key Match Stats and Highlights
- Ireland goals: Troy Parrott (19′ pen), Matej Kovar OG (23′)
- Czechia goals: Patrik Schick (27′ pen), Ladislav Krejcí (86′)
- Penalty Shootout: Czechia 4-3 Ireland
- Saves: Matej Kovar (Finn Azaz, Alan Browne)
- Decisive: Jan Kliment
This intense World Cup qualifier showcased resilience from both sides, but Czechia’s composure in the shootout prevailed. Fans can track ongoing Resultados Futbol Hoy for playoff results and more thrilling encounters.
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