Heimir Hallgrimsson was left feeling only pain as the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup dream was shattered in a heart-breaking penalty shoot-out.
Ireland saw a 2-0 lead evaporate on a dramatic night at Prague’s Fortuna Arena as the Czech Republic fought their way to extra time and after a 2-2 draw, edged through 4-3 on penalties to set up a winner-takes-all clash with Denmark on Tuesday evening.
For head coach Hallgrimsson and his players, who were bidding for a first trip to the finals since 2002, it proved an agonising conclusion to a campaign which had blossomed late in the day.
Asked to sum up his emotions, the Icelander said: “One word, just pain. I feel pain, I feel pride for the performance of the players. They gave it all. I feel gratitude towards the supporters who showed up and supported us the whole game, even after the loss.
“I feel pride being a part of that group, but personally – and I know the players will feel pain now, only pain, I would say.”
Twenty-three minutes into a pulsating contest, Ireland led 2-0 through Troy Parrott’s penalty and an own goal from keeper Matej Kovar and looked to have one foot in Tuesday’s final.
Patrik Schick’s spot-kick reduced the deficit almost immediately, but Hallgrimsson’s side were within four minutes of victory when Czech skipper Ladislav Krejci – currently playing his club football in the Premier League with Wolves – headed his side level to force extra time and ultimately penalties.
Caoimhin Kelleher saved Mojmir Chytil’s attempt to hand Finn Azaz the chance to make it 4-2, but Kovar saved his and Alan Browne’s attempts to set up Jan Kliment to complete the comeback.
For Hallgrimsson, who signed a contract extension last week, the back-to-back victories over Armenia, Portugal and Hungary which booked their trip to Prague will provide a source of optimism for what lies ahead.
He said: “First of all, we take that with us, that we can play teams higher than us in the FIFA ranking, punch above our weight whether it’s Portugal, Hungary or here, and compete with these teams.
“We came here with three wins in a row – it’s a long time since that happened for this national team, so I think there’s growth in the squad, I think it’s maturing.
“These have been the biggest games most of these players have played, so that’s encouraging, to know that we are growing.”
Hallgrimsson and his players headed home without Derby striker Sammie Szmodics, who was carried off on a stretcher after being knocked unconscious within minutes of his introduction, but is expected to fly back to Ireland on Friday.
Czech boss Miroslav Koubek was delighted with the outcome of his first game in charge, but admitted there was room for improvement.
He said: “I said it would be a war and it was a war.
“It was a battle indeed, but we proved that we have the right mindset.
“Obviously it was not without mistakes. It was a very raw match. It was an epic battle.”
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