Stephen Kenny noted before this play-off that it had been more than four years since the Republic of
Ireland were awarded a penalty. After a goalless draw in Bratislava his team got four chances to score from the spot but Alan Browne and Matt Doherty missed two of them, leaving Slovakia, who were faultless in the shootout, to advance to an ultimate play-off against
Northern Ireland for a place in the European Championship finals.
Elimination was all the more agonising for Ireland because in the preceding 120 minutes they performed with a style that justified Kenny’s belief in their creative potential. The 0-0 scoreline at full time attested to familiar
Irish traits – defensive strength, offensive bluntness – but within that time-worn pattern there was plenty of evidence of positive change, as Kenny’s men forced their hosts on to the back foot for long periods with an energetic, technically assured and adventurous approach.