The dejection in the voice and on the face of Republic of Ireland striker Troy Parrott was clear after his sides World Cup dream ended with a penalty shoot-out defeat in Prague. I'm just really, really gutted that we couldn't do it for everyone that has supported us," Parrott said after the game. The resulting penalty shoot-out went the way of the hosts with Irish pair Finn Azaz and Alan Browne missing their spot-kicks, and AZ Alkmaar striker Parrott was quick to exonerate his team-mate for any blame in the defeat. "It's never nice, I think it really takes a lot of nerve to step up there and take a penalty," Parrott confirmed. "We just said in the changing room that now is the time to stick together as a group because we have some really, really good players and we'll be back for sure."

Source: BBC March 27, 2026 14:50 UTC