Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Hallgrimsson felt neither side took a full grip of the game
ByDavid MohanBBC Sport NI journalist- Published8 minutes ago
After 120 minutes and a penalty shootout, the Republic of Ireland's World Cup dream came to a crushing end in Prague with "pain" the overriding emotion for manager Heimir Hallgrimsson.
From the high of their stunning last-gasp victory over Hungary in November that sent them into the play-offs, the mood was in stark contrast for the Irish as hosts Czech Republic fought back on this occasion to force extra time and then prevail on spot-kicks.
It was a night that promised so much as the Republic of Ireland found themselves two goals to the good after 23 minutes thanks to a Troy Parrott penalty and own goal from Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar.
But the hosts grabbed a lifeline from a Patrik Schick penalty soon after before captain Ladislav Krejci nodded home four minutes from time to force extra time.
Hallgrimsson's side could have been out of sight but for the post which denied Jason Molumby in the second period and Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar who clawed away a Parrott header.
The Irish held the advantage in the penalties when Caoimhin Kelleher saved from Mojmir Chytil, only for Kovar to save from Finn Azaz and Alan Browne before Jan Kliment won it for the hosts who now face Denmark for a place in the World Cup on Tuesday.
"I feel pride in the performance as they gave it their all," a crestfallen Hallgrimsson told reporters.
"I feel gratitude to the supporters who showed up and supported the team throughout and even after the loss, but I and I know the players feel only pain."
'It's never a good time to concede'
Hallgrimsson's side began brightly with skipper Nathan Collins' shot crashing off the bar before they hit the front, but the concession of the penalty so soon after going two up halted momentum and gave the Czechs a much-needed shot in the arm.
It appeared the Irish had ridden a bit of a storm in the second period before Krejci grabbed the equaliser and, while they were never fully backs to the wall, neither were they in total command after Schick pulled that goal back in the 27th minute.
"It was a game of set-plays, high balls, duels and it fell for us when we were 2-0 up," Hallgrimmson reflected.
"It's never the right time to concede a goal, but right after we scored the second they got one back and from then I thought neither team got a grip of the game.
"It was more about fight, high balls, duels and set-plays than on the ground, but I felt when we scored the second we were having more and more control.
"A lot of emotions [now] as there was a lot at stake so that it it."
