Irish trio suffer World Cup heartbreak
It was a heartbreaking night for Southampton’s Irish trio, as Ryan Manning, Finn Azaz and Shea Charles missed out on a place at this summer’s World Cup.
Manning and Azaz both started Republic of Ireland’s play-off semi-final in Czech Republic, where Ireland raced into a two-goal lead in the first half.
Troy Parrott scored from the penalty spot before goalkeeper Matej Kovar put through his own net, but the hosts quickly pulled a goal back with a penalty of their own after Manning brought down Czech captain Ladislav Krejci.
Jayson Molumby hit the post for Ireland in the second half, which may have put the tie to bed, but instead Krejci’s headed equaliser four minutes from the end forced extra time and subsequently penalties.
Ireland were ahead in the shootout after three spot-kicks each, but Azaz and Alan Browne were denied by Kovar as the pendulum swung in the Czechs’ favour, allowing the hosts to prevail 4-3 on penalties.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland were beaten 2-0 in Bergamo, as Italy advanced to the play-off final to take on Wales’ conquerors Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Charles played the full 90 minutes, earning praise for his performance from Premier League legend Gianfranco Zola on BBC’s TV coverage, but second-half goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean sealed Italy’s progress.
Daniel Peretz was also in action on Thursday evening, playing the first half of Israel’s 2-2 draw with Georgia in a friendly in Tbilisi.
Rather than competing in their respective play-off finals, Manning, Azaz and Charles now have friendlies scheduled on Tuesday evening instead.
Republic of Ireland will host North Macedonia in Dublin, while Northern Ireland travel to Wales.
