By VICTOR OKOYE

Czechia defeated Denmark on penalties in Prague after a 2-2 draw, with Michal Sadilek scoring the decisive kick to seal qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The victory sends Czechia to their first FIFA World Cup since 2006.

They will face Mexico, South Africa and South Korea in Group A.

Tomas Chory and Tomas Soucek converted their penalties, while Ladislav Krejci missed.

Denmark’s only scorer was Christian Eriksen during the shootout.

Rasmus Hojlund struck the crossbar, Anders Dreyer missed, and Mathias Jensen fired over, sealing Denmark’s exit from the playoff.

Pavel Sulc opened scoring early with a volley after a cleared corner.

Denmark equalised through Joachim Andersen’s 72nd-minute header from Mikkel Damsgaard’s free kick.

Krejci restored Czechia’s lead in the 100th minute after a scramble, with his effort deflected into the net by defender Alexander Bah.

Denmark equalised again in the 111th minute as substitute Kasper Hogh headed in Eriksen’s corner shortly after coming on.

Czechia had earlier beaten Ireland on penalties in the semifinals, while Denmark defeated North Macedonia 4-0 to reach the final.

Denmark dominated possession but struggled to break Czechia’s defence, which sat deep after scoring early in the encounter.

Goalkeeper Matej Kovar made key saves, denying Hojlund and tipping Gustav Isaksen’s free kick over the bar to keep Czechia in the game.

Czechia threatened on the counter, but Denmark continued to miss chances or found Kovar in inspired form throughout the match.

The hosts held firm to force penalties, eventually prevailing to book their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (NAN)

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