Kovar the hero as Czechs edge Ireland in shootout

Matej Kovar delivered two crucial saves in a penalty shootout to send the Czech Republic into the World Cup play-off final after a gripping 2-2 draw with Ireland. Chasing their first World Cup appearance since 2006, the Czechs will now meet Denmark on 31 March in Prague. Ireland had stunned the hosts with a rapid two-goal burst: Troy Parrott converted a VAR-awarded penalty before Dara O’Shea’s header forced Kovar into an own goal.

Patrik Schick pulled one back from the spot, and Ladislav Krejci’s late header rescued the Czechs five minutes from time. Extra time brought nerves rather than chances, setting the stage for the shootout. Parrott, Adam Idah and Robbie Brady scored, but Kovar denied Finn Azaz and Alan Browne.

Krejci, Tomas Soucek, Schick and Jan Kliment converted for the hosts, while Caoimhin Kelleher stopped Mojmir Chytil. Ireland rued missed opportunities as Collins and Jayson Molumby struck the woodwork.