The Czech Republic clinched their place in ​a World Cup qualification playoff final after edging past Ireland on penalties on Thursday in a ‌thrilling encounter that finished 2-2 after extra time, Reuters reported. 

Jan Kliment scored the winning penalty to send the Czechs through to Tuesday's final where they will play Denmark for a place at the tournament in June-July in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

"We didn’t start ​well but we handled it as a team and we’re moving on — that’s what matters most," ​said Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar, who saved two penalties in the 4-3 shootout win, according to Reuters.