Heimir Hallgrímsson says ‘only pain’ for Ireland after penalty loss

Heimir Hallgrímsson was left feeling only pain as Ireland’s World Cup dream was shattered in a heartbreaking 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 Hallgrímsson 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 Hallgrímsson’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.

Caoimhín 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 Hallgrímsson, who signed a contract extension last week, the back-to-back victories over Armenia, Portugal and