Ireland's World Cup Hopes Hinge on Prague Showdown

0:00From across Europe, powered by AI, this is Europe News Today. I'm Cory with the story. Republic of Ireland squad for tonight's World Cup playoff semi-final against Czechia in Prague has some key changes. Uncapped Stoke City midfielder Bosen LaWal is out of the 23-man matchday lineup along with Celtic defender Liam Scales who suspended. Both players made the original 25-man squad, named earlier this week. Law 4-A-L got the pick over other midfielder contenders, like Charlton's Conor Coventry. LaWal has been dealing with an injury recently, and his Stoke boss prefers he stays with the club instead of traveling. Still, Ireland coach Highmere Halgrimson initially believed he was ready to play. A win tonight sends Ireland to a home playoff final at the Viva Stadium on Tuesday, March 31, facing either Denmark or North Macedonia. Scales will be back and available for that one. Ireland heads into this crunch match with a slim down defense, but the focus stays on securing that vital victory to keep their World Cup hopes alive.