Ireland's New Generation Unfazed by Past World Cup Play-off Disappointments

Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman believes the team's young players will not be haunted by the ghosts of past World Cup play-off failures as they bid to secure a spot in this summer's finals. The Irish face the Czech Republic on Thursday, looking to overcome the heartbreak of previous near-misses, including a 5-1 defeat to Denmark in 2017. However, Coleman, who missed the Denmark game due to injury, is confident that the current squad will not be burdened by the weight of history. "It's hard to say if the pain of those defeats is driving the players, they're all so young," he said. "The nation was hurt, but I don't think this group of players is dwelling on it. We're just riding the wave of confidence from our last two games and looking forward to Thursday night." Ireland's path to the play-offs has been impressive, with victories over Armenia, Portugal, and Hungary. Coleman, one of only two players in the squad with major tournament experience, believes the team's blend of youth and experience will be crucial in the play-offs. "Maybe two years ago, it would have been tough for the young lads, but everyone has stepped up and is prepared for what's to come," he said. Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, meanwhile, is urging his players to stay focused and build on their recent performances. "We know why we've gotten good results, and that's the key - not being over-ambitious, staying on point, and trying to improve continuously," he said.