Czechs beat Ireland in World Cup qualifying play-off semifinal

The Czech national football team defeated Ireland 4–3 on penalties in the World Cup qualifying play-off semifinal, after the match ended 2–2 following regular time and extra time.

Substitute Jan Kliment converted the decisive penalty, while goalkeeper Matěj Kovář made crucial saves in the fourth and fifth rounds of the shootout.

The Czech side now stands one match away from its first World Cup appearance since 2006. In Tuesday’s final play-off match, they will host Denmark, with a place in the summer tournament in the United States at stake.