In another final of the 2026 World Cup European qualifying play-offs, the Czech Republic, playing at home, defeated Denmark 3-1 in a penalty shootout after goals from Pawel Schulz and Krejcić, thus securing their place in the World Cup finals.

Three minutes into the match, a corner kick taken by Cao Far was cleared, and Pavel Schulz volleyed it into the net from inside the penalty area, giving the Czech Republic a dream start with a 1-0 lead.

In the 5th minute, Denmark attempted a counter-attack. Froholt received a pass from Isaksson and took a shot, but it was saved by Czech goalkeeper Matje Kovac. In the 8th minute, Danish goalkeeper Hermansen took the kickoff, and Hoylund received the ball and entered the penalty area with a low shot, but it was blocked by Matje Kovac.

In the 16th minute, Denmark won a free kick. Damsgaard took the free kick and shot directly, but the ball was blocked by Czech goalkeeper Majekoří. In the 27th minute, Isaksen received a pass from Damsgaard and took a long-range shot, but it was blocked. In the 34th minute, Pavel Schulz crossed into the penalty area, and Proward's shot went wide.

In the first half stoppage time, Denmark took a free kick, and Højbjerg received the ball and curled a shot, but the ball went over the goal.

In the 56th minute of the second half, Froholt passed the ball to Højbjerg, who took a long-range shot, but the ball was blocked. In the 59th minute, Dams delivered a high cross into the penalty area, and Højlund headed the ball, but it went wide.

In the 66th minute, Morten Jürmann received a pass from Damsgaard and shot, but his effort was blocked. In the 72nd minute, Damsgaard took a free kick, and Annosen rose to head the ball into the net, leveling the score at 1-1 for Denmark. In the 81st minute, Eriksen, at the edge of the penalty area, received a header from Hoylund and fired a long-range shot, but the ball went over the goal.

In the 100th minute of extra time, Caofar delivered a cross, Soucek headed it on, and Krejcić volleyed it past the defense to give the Czech Republic a 2-1 lead over Denmark. In the 111th minute, Anders Drell took a corner, and Kasper Heger headed it in to level the score at 2-2 for Denmark.

Since the score remained tied after regulation time, the match went to penalties. In the first round, Hoylund's penalty hit the post, while Thomas Jory scored. In the second round, Soucek and Eriksen both found the net.

In the third round, Anders Drell's penalty was saved by Czech goalkeeper Mattias Kovalj, while Krejci's penalty was caught by Danish goalkeeper Hermannsen. In the fourth round, Matthias Jensen's penalty went high, and Sadilek scored.

Ultimately, the Czech Republic defeated Denmark 3-1 at home, successfully securing a place in the World Cup finals.

Image source: Internet