There was penalty-shoot out agony for Sheffield United players on international duty as Wales and the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup dreams died.

Both countries were forced into a shoot-out after leading their respective play-off semi-final matches in normal time but both suffered defeat, with United’s Chiedozie Ogbene starting for the Irish and only being replaced in extra time.

For Wales, Rhys Norrington-Davies, on-loan from the Blades at QPR, was an unused substitute while goalkeeper Adam Davies had been left out of the updated matchday squad earlier that day with Leeds United’s Karl Darlow starting.

The Republic of Ireland had been 2-0 up against Czechia in Prague’s Fortuna Arena thanks to a penalty from Troy Parrott and an own goal by Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar.

However, the visitors gave away a penalty when Southampton’s Ryan Manning needlessly pulled back Ladislav Krejci and Patrik Schick converted.

The home side then equalised through Krejci with just six minutes remaining and after no goals in extra time, Southampton’s Finn Azaz and Alan Browne, on loan at Middlesbrough, had their efforts saved by Kovar and the Irish American dream was over.

When asked how he and the players were feeling afterwards, Republic boss Heimir Hallgrimsson said: “One word, just pain. I feel pain, I feel pride for the performance of the players. They gave it all. I feel gratitude towards the supporters who showed up and supported us the whole game, even after the loss.

“I feel pride being a part of that group, but personally – and I know the players will feel pain now, only pain, I would say.”

Meanwhile, in Cardiff, Dan James’ second half goal was cancelled out late on by 40-year-old Edin Dzeko to take the game into extra time and ultimately penalties, which saw Brennan Johnson fire over and Neco Williams also miss.

Wales will now play Northern Ireland, who lost 2-0 in Italy in their semi-final play-off, in a friendly next week.

Craig Bellamy said afterwards: “We’re going to hurt, let it hurt. I haven’t really felt this towards a group of players, because I’ve probably never had a group of players for myself as a coach.

“Getting to back-to-back World Cups was really our target. To know you’ve not got there, and when you see players really disappointed, it hurts you more.

“I hurt tonight as it sinks in now. It will be a sleepless night, difficult to sleep off the back of this one. But it makes me even more determined tomorrow.

“The sun will rise, and I’m going to watch that sun rise. Then straight away, how do I go again? How do I improve? How does this team get better?

“Let’s get over tonight, but there’s a bright future. If I was playing, imagine looking forward to what’s coming up.”