Republic of Ireland midfielder Sammie Szmodics suffered a horror injury as he was stretchered off after being left unconscious following a heavy collision during the World Cup playoff semi-final defeat to Czech Republic.
Towards the end of extra-time in Prague, Szmodics collided with Czech player Stepan Chaloupek as they both competed in the air for a ball. Szmodics collapsed to the ground immediately and seemed to display involuntary arm movement.
Medical staff treated Szmodics on the ground for several minutes before he was moved onto a stretcher with support for his head and neck. Fans sang and applauded as Szmodics was carried off.
“He was knocked out cold,” confirmed Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson after the match. “At least he’s conscious now. He will stay here tonight.”
Hallgrimsson was hopeful that Szmodics would fly back home on Friday.
The 30-year-old, who plays his club football in the Championship for Derby, had only been on the field for less than two minutes after coming off the bench for Ireland in the 115th minute of extra time when the incident happened.
With a penalty shootout looming, he had presumably been brought on for Jayson Molumby with his spot-kick prowess in mind but was promptly replaced by Harvey Vale, who was making his debut for Ireland.
When the game finished 2-2 after extra time, it went to a penalty shootout, which the Czech Republic won 4-3 to break Irish hearts and deny them a first World Cup appearance since 2002.
The Czechs are now just one game away from this summer’s tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico, with a showdown against Denmark in Prague on Tuesday deciding who will advance to the World Cup.
Additional reporting by AP
