Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published Friday, March 27, 2026, 09:24 / Updated Friday, March 27, 2026 09:26
The Czech Republic solved the deadlock with Ireland on penalty kicks: 4-3. After 90 minutes and extra time it was 2-2.
The Prague Dam got off to the best possible start for the Irish. In the 23rd minute they had a two-goal advantage on the scoreboard, following a penalty converted by Parrott (min. 19) and an own goal by goalkeeper Kovar.
Ireland threw away a two-goal lead
But in vain. The Czech Republic came back into the game also from a penalty, converted by Schick (min. 27) and equalized 4 minutes before the expiration of the regulation time, through Krejci. Since no more goals were scored in the two overtime periods, the duel was decided by penalty kicks.
The hosts prevailed, with 4-3, but the Irish accuse that the Czech fans exceeded the regulatory framework, in an attempt to discourage the opposing penalty takers. Concretely, whenever they approached the balloon to shoot, a siren was heard from the stands.
Irish fans accuse: “The Czechs cheated!”
Because of its shrill sound, the Irish claim Finn Azaz and Alan Browne missed the visitors' final executions, and are now demanding that UEFA open an investigation.
“The Czechs cheated by stopping every time before shooting to see where the keeper was diving. Then they would turn on a siren to distract our players when they shot from 11 yards,” one Irish fan charged on social media.
Another angrily exclaimed: “There needs to be an inquiry into the penalty kicks, the Czechs started a siren every time the Irish scored, which is a shame“.
The Czechs will play the decisive match for qualification against Denmark
The Czechs, meanwhile, only missed a penalty shootout through Mojmír Chytil, and will face Denmark in their final World Cup play-off game on Tuesday as they bid to secure a place at this summer's tournament.
For Ireland, on the other hand, the wait for another appearance at the World Cup, after that since 2002, is being extended.
