Controversy shrouded Czechia’s squad announcement for their World Cup playoff date against Ireland, with Celtic striker Tomáš Čvančara the notable omission. Top scorer Patrik Schick of Bayer Leverkusen is a certain starter in attack on Thursday week in Prague against the Irish. However, veteran of the domestic scene Koubek has opted for three strikers from the Czechia league to complete his attacking array. "He (Čvančara) has stated in recent weeks that the national team is not a priority for him,” the 74-year-old pointedly noted when unveiling his 25-man squad. Tomás Soucek, as captain, was ultimately held responsible for the snub by the Czechia FA, who promptly stripped him of the armband.

Source: Irish Examiner March 17, 2026 20:11 UTC