The Republic of Ireland travels to Prague for a World Cup play-off against the Czech Republic on Thursday night. Ireland enters on a wave of momentum after recent wins, while the hosts boast an unbeaten home record in qualifiers. New Czech coach Miroslav Koubek takes charge for his first match.
The Republic of Ireland faces the Czech Republic in a crucial World Cup play-off at the Fortuna Arena in Prague. Ireland, under manager Heimir Hallgrímsson, has surged into the play-offs with back-to-back victories over Armenia and Portugal, plus a 3-2 win against Hungary. This marks their chance for a first World Cup appearance since 2002, when they advanced past Iran in the play-offs but exited in the group stage in Japan and South Korea. Historically, Ireland has struggled in play-offs, failing to qualify ahead of the 1966, 1998, 2010, and 2018 tournaments. They have won just one of nine away games against Czechia (including as Czechoslovakia), losing the last five visits since a 2-1 victory in 1967. The Czech Republic remains unbeaten in 17 home World Cup qualifiers, a streak nearly nine years long. However, the team dismissed coach Ivan Hašek after a shock loss to the Faroe Islands in October. Miroslav Koubek, 74, steps in for his debut, aiming to end the nation's 20-year World Cup absence. Key players include midfielder Tomas Soucek and defender Vladimir Coufal of West Ham, with striker Patrik Schick scoring four goals in qualifying. Ireland faces challenges: defenders Liam Scales and Festy Ebosele are suspended, and Evan Ferguson is out following ankle surgery. Troy Parrott shoulders the scoring load after five goals in his last two internationals—a brace against Portugal and a hat-trick versus Hungary—joining an elite list of Irish scorers. Chiedozie Ogbene returns to support. Defender Seamus Coleman, 37, is fit despite limited club minutes at Everton. “Everyone wants to be playing, that’s the way it works,” Coleman said in Prague. “When you put on the green shirt and when everything’s at stake, I’m feeling good and I’m ready for the game.” Predicted line-ups feature Kovar in goal for Czechia with Schick up top, and Caoimhin Kelleher behind Coleman and Parrott for Ireland.
