Jake O’Brien and Seamus Coleman both suffered heartbreak away from Everton on Thursday as Ireland lost to the Czech Republic in a crucial World Cup play-off.
It was a dream start for the Everton duo as Ireland found themselves 2-0 up after just 23 minutes, only for the Czech Republic to eventually make it 2-2 in the 86th minute before eventually winning on penalties.
It means Seamus Coleman and Jake O’Brien now have to wait years for another shot at the World Cup with Ireland, and the Everton No.15 has revealed he is “absolutely gutted” about the result.
Do you think Seamus Coleman still has something to offer Everton on the pitch? 🤔
It was a mighty performance vs Czech Republic from him 👏
Seamus Coleman of Republic of Ireland celebrates after his side score.
Credit: Getty Images/Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Jake O’Brien posts emotional message after Ireland defeat
The former Crystal Palace defender wrote on X (previously known as Twitter): “We’re absolutely gutted we couldn’t get over the line yesterday. The support throughout the week leading up to the game has been special. Football can be a cruel game at times, but we’ll learn from this, regroup and most importantly come back stronger.”
It would have been fantastic to see O’Brien and Coleman, who also revealed his disappointment, partake in the final of a World Cup play-off against Denmark on Tuesday, who the Czech Republic now face.
However, this setback will hopefully make the Everton duo even more determined to achieve something special back on Merseyside, with a spot in the UEFA Champions League still to play for this season.
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Everton are only three points off fifth place at the time of writing, which will be enough to qualify thanks to UEFA’s European Performance Slots.
Not since the 2005/06 campaign have the Toffees been in the UEFA Champions League, and even that term, Everton failed to progress past the qualifying round.
Seven games left and on 46 points – how many points do you expect Everton to finish on? 🤔
David Moyes, manager of Everton, claps fans after a 3-0 win in the Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea.
Credit: Getty Images/Jorge Horsted/News Images/NurPhoto
So, if qualification for Europe’s best club competition can be achieved, it would surely soften the blow for O’Brien and Coleman – who Irish media both praised – after the Czech Republic battled back to end Ireland’s World Cup dream.
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