Raf Diallo

RTÉ Sport Journalist

Head coach Miroslav Koube during a Czechia media conference at Fortuna Arena in Prague, Czechia.

Koubek: Czechs plan to eliminate Parrott 'in a smart way'

Czechia manager Miroslav Koubek says his team will try to eliminate Troy Parrott "in a smart way" when they do battle with the Republic of Ireland in Thursday's World Cup play-off semi-final in Prague.

Soccer • 25 Mar

Seamus Coleman during a Republic of Ireland men's training session at the Fortuna Arena in Prague, Czechia.

Preview: Belief brews but proof will be in Prague pudding

The Republic of Ireland have faith in their ability to account for an evenly-matched Czech team after their belief-infused November window, writes Raf Diallo in Prague.

Soccer • 26 Mar

Seamus Coleman arrives for a Republic of Ireland men's media conference at the Fortuna Arena in Prague, Czechia.

Coleman: Two years ago, it would have been a lot to take

Séamus Coleman says the magnitude of a high-pressure World Cup play-off tie might have been "a lot to take" for the Republic of Ireland's youngsters this time two years ago. But ahead of Thursday's play-off semi-final against Czechia, the veteran defender says the Boys in Green are now ready.

Soccer • 26 Mar

Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson during a Republic of Ireland men's training session at the Fortuna Arena in Prague, Czechia.

'Comfortable' Hallgrimsson planning for all eventualities

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson looks ahead to tonight's task in Prague as the Boys in Green aim to reach a World Cup play-off final.

Soccer • 26 Mar

Durty Nellys Irish Pub in Prague on Tuesday night.

Postcard from Prague: Irish fans aspire among the spires

The atmosphere in Prague hadn't quite cranked up on Tuesday night but a closer look around the Old Town showed where Irish fans were beginning to congregate.

Soccer • 26 Mar

John Egan during a Republic of Ireland men's media conference at the FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown, Dublin.

Egan times his return after 'long time out of the fold'

For two years, John Egan was out of sight and out of mind for the Republic of Ireland due to injury. But the Corkman was delighted to be involved again at the tail end of last year and is relishing being part of the squad for Prague.

Soccer • 24 Mar

Harvey Vale during a Republic of Ireland men's media conference at the FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown, Dublin.

Vale: Ireland move hasn't just been a flick of the switch

While Heimir Hallgrimsson's plan to get Harvey Vale on board might have been a year in the making, the QPR midfielder had been considering a switch from England to the Republic of Ireland for a lot longer.

Soccer • 25 Mar

Nathan Collins of Republic of Ireland before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F Qualifier match between Hungary and Republic of Ireland at Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.

Coleman has helped to ease weight of captaincy - Collins

Captaining one's country is a privilege. But wearing that armband can also be a heavy cross to bear even in the best of times. Thankfully for the Republic of Ireland's skipper Nathan Collins, he has Séamus Coleman to help him carry the burden.

Soccer • 24 Mar

Assistant head coach John O'Shea during a Republic of Ireland men's media conference at the FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown, Dublin.

O'Shea parks talk on future to focus on 'cup final'

John O'Shea expects talks to extend his contract as Republic of Ireland assistant manager to be straightforward, but is parking all thoughts of the future until after what he characterises as a cup final scenario in Prague.

Soccer • 24 Mar

From left to right clockwise: Czech striker Patrik Schick, journalist Jiri Hosek and the Fortuna Arena in Prague

'If Ireland sit deep, how will we unlock the box?'

Jiri Hosek, the head of sports at CANAL+ TV in Czechia, joins Raf Diallo on the RTÉ Soccer Podcast to share an insight into the side that stand in the Republic of Ireland's way next Thursday in Prague.

Soccer • 20 Mar