The Czech Republic kept their World Cup hopes alive with a dramatic penalty shootout win over the Republic of Ireland, marking their first real step toward a return to the tournament for the first time since 2006 FIFA World Cup.

The victory also extended their unbeaten home run to 17 matches.

The play-off semi-final brought together two nations with limited World Cup experience in recent decades, and it was Ireland who started stronger. Captain Nathan Collins hit the bar early on and later headed wide from a corner. Their pressure paid off when Troy Parrott converted a penalty after Vladimír Darida was judged to have fouled Collins in the box.

Ireland doubled their lead just minutes later in chaotic fashion. A corner from Ryan Manning led to confusion in the Czech defence, ending with Vladimír Coufal inadvertently turning the ball into his own net.

But the hosts responded before half-time. Patrik Schick converted a penalty after a foul on Ladislav Krejčí, cutting the deficit to 2–1.

After the break, Ireland nearly restored their two-goal advantage when Jayson Molumby struck the post from distance. Still, the Czech side gradually took control, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Krejčí came close with a header, while goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher made several important saves to keep Ireland ahead.

The breakthrough finally came late in the match. Krejčí rose to meet a corner and headed home to make it 2–2, sending the tie into extra time.

The Czechs carried the momentum, with Tomáš Souček missing a big chance from close range. A VAR review late in extra time denied the hosts another penalty, ruling a handball just outside the box.

With no winner after 120 minutes, the match went to penalties. Matěj Kovář emerged as the hero, saving a crucial spot-kick before Jan Kliment converted the decisive penalty to secure a 4–3 shootout victory.

The Czech Republic now moves on to face Denmark in the play-off final. A win there would send them to their first World Cup in two decades, following in the footsteps of a generation that included Petr Čech, Tomáš Rosický, and Pavel Nedvěd.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more