Ken Early: ‘Why won’t Ireland score?’ – Six-year-old fan at Aviva sums up the eternal mystery
But goalless draw against North Macedonia shows glimpse of future Irish talent despite World Cup hurt
Finn Azaz
Ireland player ratings v North Macedonia: Dara O’Shea and Finn Azaz stand out in stalemate
Troy Parrott was lively but missed a few chances to continue scoring streak
Malachy Clerkin: A brutal end but the seeds sown by Ireland’s campaign will sprout long into the future
Just as nothing lifts the country like an Ireland football team going well, nothing hurts like the dashed hopes of nearly getting there
Ireland player ratings: Dara O’Shea and Nathan Collins lead from the back
Chiedozie Ogbene and Troy Parrott had their moments during World Cup playoff defeat on penalties against the Czech Republic
If not Troy Parrott, then who? Other Irish scoring threats against the Czech Republic
Robbie Brady has the best goal record of 10 outside of Parrott, while Evan Ferguson with eight goals is missed
The playmakers: Finn Azaz and Pavel Sulc hold the keys to unlock defences in Prague clash
Czech Republic midfielder has attracted interest from English Premier League clubs for his displays with Lyon
Harvey Vale could be the wild card: Our writers pick their Ireland team to face Czech Republic
Spine of the team picks itself and then the conversation turns to Séamus Coleman’s fitness
How Heimir Hallgrímsson found the formula for Ireland to use in the Czech Republic
Finn Azaz has become part of an attacking trio that will need to fire well if Ireland are to make the World Cup
Irish player tracker: Finn Azaz and Troy Parrott sparkle in cup successes
David McGoldrick bolsters case for a return to Republic of Ireland duty at age 38
How to replace Josh Cullen and other questions for Hallgrímsson ahead of World Cup playoffs
Irish manager will be hopeful of a swift return from injury for Chiedozie Ogbene
Irish player tracker: Troy Parrott soars for leveller as Oisín McEntee breaks Celtic hearts
Finn Azaz also kept up scoring run for Southampton and Jake O’Brien weighed in with an assist for Everton
Troy Parrott misses last-minute panenka penalty to equalise for AZ Alkmaar
Evan Ferguson started for Roma but was taken off at half-time
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