Czech Republic Back at the World Cup After 20 Years: Penalty Shootout Victory Over Denmark

The Czech Republic has qualified for a FIFA World Cup again after 20 years. In a dramatic play-off final, the team in Prague prevailed against Denmark on penalties.

The Czech national team has qualified for a FIFA World Cup for the first time in two decades. In the decisive play-off final, the team coached by Miroslav Koubek defeated favourites Denmark 3–1 on penalties at Prague’s epet ARENA (Stadion Letná). After 120 minutes, the score was 2–2.

As early as the third minute, the Czech Republic’s Footballer of the Year, Pavel Šulc gave the hosts an early lead. In the second half, Joachim Andersen equalised for Denmark. In extra time, the Czech Republic’s captain Ladislav Krejčí restored the lead, before Kasper Høgh levelled again to take the match to penalties. There, three of the four Danish takers missed, while Michal Sadílek converted the decisive attempt.

Foto: Česká fotbalová reprezentace

“I have no words. Great respect to everyone – I am incredibly happy. I haven’t seen such a team performance in a long time. If we are honest, we were not the better team, but we showed more heart and fought harder,” said Czech captain Ladislav Krejčí after the match.

For Koubek, it marks a perfect start as national coach: in the semi-final of the play-offs, his team had already eliminated Ireland – also on penalties. The victory over Denmark also marked the first win against the Scandinavians since the memorable 3–0 at the 2004 European Championship.

For the Czech side, it is only the second participation in a World Cup since the split of Czechoslovakia. At their only previous appearance in 2006 in Germany, they were eliminated in the group stage.

Foto: Česká fotbalová reprezentace

At the upcoming finals in North America, the Czech Republic will face Mexico, South Africa and South Korea in Group A. According to earlier FIFA information, the association will receive at least 10.5 million US dollars (around 224 million crowns) for qualification.

Match schedule of the Czech team at the World Cup

Friday, 12 June
South Korea – Czech Republic, 04:00
Guadalajara

Thursday, 18 June
Czech Republic – South Africa, 18:00
Atlanta

Thursday, 25 June
Mexico – Czech Republic, 03:00
Mexico City

The World Cup will be held for the first time with 48 teams and will be jointly organised by the United States, Canada and Mexico.



Česká fotbalová reprezentace
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