Ken Early: This Ireland team gave everything in Prague. It wasn’t enough

After two hours of chaotic action the World Cup playoff came down to an elemental clash of opposites. The unstoppable force: Czech Republic at penalties. 20 shoot-out penalties scored out of 20. The best record in the world. Immovable object: Caoimhín Kelleher. Eight out of 18 non shoot-out penalties saved in his senior career. Ireland went first, which gives you a slight advantage. Parrott checks his run, and scores sending Kovar the wrong way. Krejci goes left. Kelleher got a hand to it on the way in. Adam Idah next. Hammers it in to the right, beating the dive of Kovar.READ MORE Sammie Szmodics to remain in hospital in Prague as Ireland’s World Cup dream ends Bosnia beat Wales on...