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Czechs Book World Cup Playoff Final Spot After Penalty Shootout Win Against Ireland
Czech Republic came back from a 2-0 deficit to draw 2-2 and won 4-3 on penalties with goalkeeper Matej Kovar saving two shots, advancing to the World Cup playoff final.
- On Thursday, March 26, 2026, the Czech Republic advanced to the World Cup qualification playoff final by defeating Ireland 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Prague's Fortuna Arena.
- Ireland stunned the hosts with two early goals: Troy Parrott converted a penalty in the 19th minute, and defender Vladimir Coufal's attempted clearance went into his own net four minutes later.
- Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar saved two penalties in the shootout, while substitute Jan Kliment scored the decisive spot-kick. Kovar said, "We prepared for the penalty shootout with both goalkeeping coaches and it paid off."
- Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrímsson told RTE television the team felt "just pain," while the Czech Republic will host Denmark next Tuesday, March 31, 2026, for a World Cup spot.
- Seeking their first World Cup appearance since 2006, the Czechs now face the Danes with tournament participation at stake. The loss ended Ireland's dream of bridging a 10-year gap to feature at a major tournament.
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Irish fans say Czech fans disrupted the penalty shootout using unsporting means and are demanding an investigation.
·Budapest, Hungary
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Cruel summer looms as Ireland let two-goal lead slip and go down to Czechs after shootout heartbreak
For Irish eyes, the Child of Prague bore tears of sorrow not joy as dreams of a first World Cup finals appearance since 2002 ended, a night when Ireland’s resistance was broken in a penalty shoot-out by Czech persistence.
·Ireland
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The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)Ireland blow two-goal lead before suffering penalty heartbreak against Czech Republic
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources38
Leaning Left7Leaning Right4Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution44% Left
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources lean Left
44% Left
L 44%
C 31%
R 25%
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