Pain Hallgrimsson's Overriding Emotion After Czechs End Irish Hopes

After 120 minutes and a punishment shootout, nan Republic of Ireland's World Cup dream came to a crushing extremity successful Prague pinch "pain" nan overriding emotion for head Heimir Hallgrimsson.

From nan precocious of their stunning last-gasp triumph complete Hungary successful November that sent them into nan play-offs, nan temper was successful stark opposition for nan Irish arsenic hosts Czech Republic fought backmost connected this juncture to unit other time and past prevail connected spot-kicks.

It was a nighttime that promised truthful overmuch arsenic nan Republic of Ireland recovered themselves 2 goals to nan bully aft 23 minutes acknowledgment to a Troy Parrott punishment and ain extremity from Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar.

But nan hosts grabbed a lifeline from a Patrik Schick punishment soon aft earlier skipper Ladislav Krejci nodded location 4 minutes from clip to unit other time.

Hallgrimsson's broadside could person been retired of show but for nan station which denied Jason Molumby successful nan 2nd play and Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar who clawed distant a Parrott header.

The Irish held nan advantage successful nan penalties erstwhile Caoimhin Kelleher saved from Mojmir Chytil, only for Kovar to prevention from Finn Azaz and Alan Browne earlier Jan Kliment won it for nan hosts who now look Denmark for a spot successful nan World Cup connected Tuesday.

"I consciousness pridefulness successful nan capacity arsenic they gave it their all," a crestfallen Hallgrimsson told reporters.

"I consciousness gratitude to nan supporters who showed up and supported nan squad passim and moreover aft nan loss, but I and I cognize nan players consciousness only pain."