Overview
- Ireland’s World Cup play-off bid ended Thursday in Prague with a penalty shootout defeat after a 2-2 draw, despite Troy Parrott scoring in normal time and from the spot in the shootout.
- Ireland led 2-0 inside 23 minutes after Parrott’s 19th-minute penalty and an own goal by goalkeeper Matej Kovar, before Patrik Schick pulled one back from the spot and Ladislav Krejci headed an 86th-minute equaliser.
- In the shootout, Finn Azaz and Alan Browne had penalties saved by Kovar and Jan Kliment converted the decisive kick for Czechia.
- Parrott thanked supporters at home and in the stands and urged them to “stick with us,” while also saying there would be no blame on teammates who took and missed penalties.
- Around 3,000 Irish fans filled the Fortuna Arena and the city’s pubs, while Parrott’s family voiced pride in his journey from difficult loans in England to a revival at AZ Alkmaar, where he has 14 league goals this season.