The Republic of Ireland take on Czech Republic in Prague on Thursday night in their biggest game for over eight years. And with their hopes of a first World Cup qualification since 2002 on the line.
They shouldn’t really have a chance to reach the World Cup. The Boys in Green looked dead and buried after a dismal loss in Armenia. It was the latest in a long line of low points.
But Troy Parrott made himself a national hero in a four-day span in mid-November, sending Ireland from the doldrums to delight and delirium. It was a period to rival any in Irish sporting history. But that was four months ago.
In this article, we’ll cover:
From the doldrums to even more delight?
Now, Heimir Hallgrimsson and his team must go to the well again with North Macedonia or, more likely, old foes Denmark awaiting in a potential final in Dublin. Of course, if safe passage through Prague can be secured. And if Ireland can pull off consecutive away wins for the first time since 2012.
Ireland’s wait for four consecutive games is even longer. Since 2007 to be precise. But there is more than just hope for the first time in a long while. The November wins breathed new life and belief into the team and the entire nation.
The fact that they came with Seamus Coleman’s presence was no coincidence. And current captain Nathan Collins said as much when talking about his predecessor.
Tote sign-up offer: Bet £10, get £30 in free bets
Not signed up to Tote yet? Here's how eligible readers* can take advantage of their welcome offer:
- Open an account at Tote using this link.
- Use code B10G40 on registration.
- Deposit and place a £10 bet on sports or racing at 1/1 or greater.
- When it settles, unlock £30 in free bets
#AD 18+ New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Bet min of £/€10 at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £/€10 Win + £/€10 Place) within 7 days of registration. Receive £/€20 Tote Credit and £/€10 Free Sports Bet. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool or sports bet added to the bet slip. 7-day expiry. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.
Coleman has only played 10 minutes for Everton since the win in Budapest due to a combination of injuries, age and international teammate Jake O’Brien locking down the right-back spot.
However, there’s little doubt the 37-year-old will start in Prague and likely last the distance — whether that’s 90 or 120 minutes.
Ireland do have some other selection questions to answer. Evan Ferguson misses out again with another worrying injury — though his three goals in qualifying was cast into the shadows by Parrott’s heroics.
Josh Cullen is also out after suffering an ACL injury over the festive period while Liam Scales – provider of two old-school headed assists in November – is suspended for Thursday.
So, changes will be made, and there is scope for a dream debut for Queens Park Rangers’ Harvey Vale. But Ireland should be relatively confident.
Are their opponents Czeched out?
There has been a lot of incompetence, corruption and chaos in Irish football governance over the past two decades. So it’s a welcome surprise that their opponents are also wrestling with similar issues.
Czech Republic ended their qualification campaign in turmoil with managed Ivan Hasek sacked following a shock defeat to the Faroe Islands that ended their hopes of automatic qualification.
Miroslav Koubek — a young 74 years old — has been drafted in for the potential of the fabled new manager bounce. The home supporters need something having been ignored by the players in their final qualifying game, which led to Tomas Soucek being stripped of the captaincy ahead of this clash. It’s unclear if he will even start.
Soucek is one of few recognisable names in the Czech side with Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrick Schick the real star up front. There’s also an ageing Vladimir Coufal and one-time Manchester United academy keeper Matej Kovar. Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci has taken on the armband.
| Year | Ireland’s World Cup play-off results |
|---|---|
| 1966 | Spain 1-0 Ireland (one-off game) |
| 1998 | Belgium 3-2 Ireland (aggregate) |
| 2002 | Ireland 2-1 Iran (aggregate) |
| 2010 | France 2-1 Ireland (aggregate) |
| 2018 | Denmark 5-1 Ireland (aggregate) |
The mood around the camps could hardly be much different. But both countries are looking to end years of hurt.
While Ireland’s last World Cup appearance in 2002 is well-known for many reasons – even more so after the Saipan movie – Czech Republic’s only appearance as an independent nation (post-1993) came four years later.
It is a surprise given they have qualified for every European Championship since, making the final in 1996 and the semi-finals in 2004.
Ireland’s play-off heartache sets the stage
It makes for a change with play-off heartache part of Irish DNA. Elimination came in 1966, 1998, 2010 and 2018 with Thierry Henry’s handball and Denmark’s sack of the Aviva Stadium entrenched in the national psyche.
Their one and only World Cup play-off success was the last time they made it all the way. Tehran was the location. Just a bit topical.
It’s all about Prague this week with Ireland looking to be the first side to beat Czech Republic there in nine years and 17 qualifiers. It’s unlikely to be pretty or straightforward. It never is.
What odds on more late magic from Parrott or Caoimhin Kelleher penalty shootout heroics? The nation holds its breath.