"The Republic of Ireland have beaten the Czech Republic twice in the eight meetings between the two countries. Heimir Hallgrimsson's side face a trip to the central European nation in the semi-finals of the European play-offs for a spot in the 2026 World Cup. A win for the Republic of Ireland on 26 March would set up a home final against the winner of the other semi-final between Denmark and North Macedonia on 31 March."
"The first three meetings between the two sides were friendlies during the 1990s. On all three occasions - in 1994, 1996 and 1998 - the Republic of Ireland were beaten. Their 2000s fixtures started with back-to-back friendlies in Dublin and on both occasions, the hosts came out on top. Mick McCarthy guided his side to a 3-2 win in 2000 before Brian Kerr recorded a 2-1 victory four years later. Former Leeds duo Ian Harte and Robbie Keane scored in both matches."
The two nations have met eight times, with the Republic of Ireland winning twice, drawing twice and losing four. The Czech Republic have won all three meetings on home soil. The first three encounters were 1990s friendlies (1994, 1996, 1998), all Ireland defeats. Dublin friendlies in 2000 and 2004 produced 3-2 and 2-1 Ireland wins, with Ian Harte and Robbie Keane scoring in both. Euro 2008 qualifying produced a 1-1 home draw in October 2006 and a 1-0 Czech win in Prague in 2007. A February 2012 friendly ended 1-1 at the Aviva. The play-off semi-final is on 26 March; victory would set a home final on 31 March.
Read at www.bbc.com
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