Czech Republic Face Ireland Today in World Cup Play-off Semi-Final in Prague

A decisive match lies ahead for the Czech national team – with the aim of keeping their World Cup dream alive.

The Czech national football team face the most important match of the year. In the semi-final of the World Cup play-offs, the team take on Ireland at Prague’s Eden Stadium – a clash that will decide who advances to the final of the qualification. Kick-off is at 20:45, with the match broadcast live on ČT Sport and ČT Sport Plus.

Only two wins will secure the Czech Republic a ticket to next summer’s World Cup in the United States. Should they succeed, another home match awaits on Tuesday, against the winner of the Denmark vs North Macedonia tie.

For the Czech Republic, it would be only their second appearance at a World Cup since independence. So far, the team has only featured on the big stage once, in Germany in 2006. Overall, this is their fourth play-off attempt – with qualification achieved only once before, in November 2005 after victory over Norway. Most recently, the side fell short four years ago, losing 1–0 after extra time in Sweden in the semi-final.

Foto: Česká fotbalová reprezentace

Miroslav Koubek will be on the touchline for the first time. The 74-year-old coach, who previously worked as assistant manager of the national team, took over the role in December, succeeding Ivan Hašek, who was dismissed following the surprising defeat to the Faroe Islands.

Against Ireland, the Czech Republic enter the match as slight favourites, even though their opponents have delivered strong results recently. The visitors, however, have not qualified for a World Cup since 2002. Home advantage also favours the Czech side: since September 2022, the team have been unbeaten in 16 consecutive home matches.

The team will be led for the first time by new captain Ladislav Krejčí, who takes over the armband from Tomáš Souček. Vladimír Darida also returns, adding experience to the squad. The former captain is back in the team after nearly five years and could go straight into the starting line-up.



Česká fotbalová reprezentace
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