CZECHIA EDGE IRELAND ON PENALTIES, KEEP WORLD CUP DREAM ALIVE.

Czechia kept their World Cup hopes alive with a dramatic penalty shootout win
over the Republic of Ireland after a pulsating 2-2 draw.
Ireland raced into a two-goal lead through Troy Parrott’s penalty and an own goal
involving Vladimir Coufal and Matej Kovar, before Patrik Schick pulled one back
before half-time.
Ladislav Krejci then headed in a late equaliser to force extra time, with neither side
able to find a winner.
In the shootout, Kovar was saved by Alan Browne before Jan Kliment converted the
decisive kick in a 4-3 win.
The Czechs now face Denmark for a place at the 2026 World Cup, as they chase a
first appearance since 2006.