Czech Republic – Republic of Ireland: a high-stakes World Cup play-off in Prague 
Prague hosts a big knockout on Thursday night. The Czech Republic meets the Republic of Ireland in the capital for a World Cup semi-final play-off. Win and you face Denmark or North Macedonia next. Lose and the dream is over.
The home side lean on a habit of being hard to beat in front of their fans. Ireland, meanwhile, arrive full of recent momentum and belief after a late surge of wins.
The Czech collective’s near-impenetrable fortress 
Miroslav Koubek now calls the shots on the home bench. The federation sacked Ivan Hasek after that shock loss to the Faroe Islands. The Czechs finished the group just behind Croatia and are back in the play-offs for a second straight cycle. Sweden ended their run at this stage in 2022.
Prague’s stadium is a real wall. Official figures show seventeen consecutive qualifying matches unbeaten at home. That’s not luck — that’s a habit.
The Ireland squad’s heroic late charge 
Heimir Hallgrimsson runs the Republic of Ireland side. They clawed a play-off spot in dramatic fashion — three straight wins to finish the group. Troy Parrott dragged them over the line with a decisive hat-trick against Hungary.
Ireland haven’t been at a World Cup since 2002. Their away record in the Czech Republic reads poorly on paper. Breaking that historical hoodoo is non-negotiable if they want to advance.
Probable line-ups
Czech Republic : Kovar ; Coufal, Vitik, Krejci, Jurasek ; Cerv, Soucek ; Provod, Sulc, Karabec ; Schick
Republic of Ireland : Kelleher ; Coleman, O’Brien, Collins, O’Shea, Manning ; Molumby, Cullen, Azaz ; Ogbene, Parrott
Football Prediction Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland
Both teams to score
The prize on the line will open up space at both ends. Ireland’s attack has been ruthless in front of goal this year.
The Czech side look slightly unsettled defensively after the coaching change. The visitors will bring a physical test inside the penalty area all night.
The match’s build and the urgency of the result almost guarantee clear chances at both ends.
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