สาธารณรัฐเช็ก vs สาธารณรัฐไอร์แลนด์

A World Cup place is within touching distance as Czechia welcome Republic of Ireland to the Fortuna Arena for Thursday's playoff semi-final. The winner faces Denmark or North Macedonia next week with a ticket to the 2026 tournament at stake. The Czechs are unbeaten in 17 home qualifiers since 2017 and warmed up with a 6-0 thumping of Gibraltar. Patrik Schick leads the line after shaking off an injury scare, while Tomáš Souček anchors the midfield, though Adam Hložek misses out with a fitness problem. Ireland roared into the playoffs off three straight wins, capped by Troy Parrott's stunning hat-trick in a 3-2 victory over Hungary. The in-form AZ Alkmaar striker has 28 goals this season, but the visitors are weakened by the absences of Evan Ferguson (injured) and Liam Scales (suspended). Ireland have never won on Czech soil in three previous visits. Home advantage and Czechia's formidable record in Prague should prove just enough. Our prediction: 1-0