SOCCER: Czechs beat Denmark on penalties to book World Cup spot

PRAGUE – The Czech Republic booked their place at this year’s World Cup after defeating Denmark 3-1 on penalties in a thrilling playoff final on Tuesday. The match ended 2-2 after extra time, with both teams scoring through set pieces before the shootout decided the winner.

Michal Sadilek became the hero for the Czechs, sending Denmark’s Mads Hermansen the wrong way to seal the victory and send his team to their first World Cup since 2006.

“The story is so beautiful — we’ve made it after 20 years,” Sadilek told Czech television. “I’ve lost my voice, and I hope to find it soon because I’ll need it for the celebrations.”

The Czech side, who had beaten Ireland in a penalty shootout in the semi-finals last week, shocked Denmark early when Pavel Sulc scored a first-time strike into the top corner just three minutes into the match. Denmark recovered and equalized in the 72nd minute through a Joachim Andersen header. Extra time saw goals from Czech captain Krejci and Denmark’s Kasper Hogh, sending the game to penalties.

Krejci, who missed his penalty, praised his team’s determination. “Before the match, I said the better team doesn’t always win — the team that wants it more does, and that was us,” he said. “Penalties are a bit of a lottery, but they also reflected the way we approached the game. I’m proud of everyone.”

During the shootout, Denmark’s Rasmus Hojlund hit the bar, Anders Dreyer’s attempt was saved, and Mathias Jensen shot over the bar, giving the Czechs the advantage.

Denmark captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg acknowledged his team’s disappointment. “We were a better team but it doesn’t matter because we are not going to the World Cup,” he told TV 2 Sport.

Under 74-year-old coach Miroslav Koubek, the Czechs will join co-hosts Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea in Group A at the North American tournament starting in June. The United States and Canada are also co-hosts.

Koubek, who took over before the qualifier against Ireland, described the victory as deeply emotional. “I had tears in my eyes when I was lifted into the air by the players,” he said. “This is the biggest success for the team — and for me as well. We suffered on the pitch tonight, facing a superb team of the highest quality.” -Reporting by Michael Kahn; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters