Wales and Republic of Ireland suffered World Cup heartbreak after losing to Bosnia & Herzegovina and Czech Republic respectively on penalties in their World Cup playoff clashes.
Northern Ireland were beaten earlier in the night by Italy in normal time after the other two matches stretched into extra time at the Stadio di Bergamo.
Both Wales and Republic of Ireland were winning their matches away from home before letting their opponents back into the game.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men were 2-0 up against Czech Republic in Prague after Troy Parrott had scored a penalty and forced an own goal from Matej Kovar.
World Cup dreams over for Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland in heartbreaking fashion
Meanwhile, Wales had taken the lead through a Dan James rocket before former Manchester City striker Edin Dezko netted a late leveller to force the match to extra time.
The Welsh knocked at the door in Sarajevo but could not find a winner, despite an extraordinarily close chance in the 123rd minute.
LATEST SPORT DEVELOPMENTS
But it wasn’t to be for the Dragons after Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams both missed from the penalty spot as Bosnia converted all of theirs.
There was a fracas on the touchline before proceedings after Wales boss Craig Bellamy clashed with Dzeko.
As for Republic of Ireland, they suffered a similar fate to Wales with Ladislav Krejci scoring in the 86th minute to force extra time after Patrik Schick had netted from the penalty spot earlier.
Republic of Ireland have been beaten by Czech Republic on penalties in Prague
|
REUTERS
Caoimhin Kelleher initially gave the nation hope after saving Mojmir Chytil’s effort before Finn Azaz saw his penalty saved immediately after.
Middlesbrough star Alan Browne’s penalty was then excellently clawed away by Kovar, which allowed Jan Kliment to send the Prague crowd wild with the winning spot-kick.
It means their wait for a World Cup appearance will go on until at least 2030 – having last appeared at the finals in 2002.
As for Northern Ireland, they faced a stiff test in Italy at the Stadio di Bergamo and more than held their own until two second-half goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean.
The Northern Irish only managed three shots in total, none on target, and had just 33 per cent of the ball.
It means that all of Northern Ireland, Wales and Republic of Ireland will stay at home this summer.
And from the Home Nations, only England and Scotland will be jetting over the Atlantic to take part in the World Cup, hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.
