Two first half goals by Roman Horak were enough to give the Czech side the win at the Pinatar Arena, Murcia.
Ireland came out on the front foot and looked the sharper of the two teams. The Czech Republic sat deep and did well to nullify the Irish attack with Ireland creating few chances.
Czech Republic were ahead in the 17th minute. A freekick into the Ireland area wasn’t cleared and it fell to the feet of Horak who was free at the back post to finish from close range.
It was 2-0 after 25 minutes. A ball played across the back rolled past the foot of goalkeeper Shay O’Leary leaving Horak to finish into an unguarded goal.
In the second half Ireland looked brighter and had their first clear-cut chance of the game. Alex Nolan ran from deep and fired an effort that just went over David Tomas’ bar.
Shortly after Sam Curtis found room out wide and forced Tomas into a save as Ireland ramped up the pressure.
Just before the hour mark Adam Murphy had a great opportunity when he found space behind the backline and shot across the face of goal. Unfortunately Caden McLoughlin was unable to get a toe to the ball that would have converted the chance.
It was to be the final clear-cut chance of the game as Ireland finished the tournament without a victory.
Republic of Ireland: O’Leary (GK) (Walsh 41); Heffernan, Kelly, Cowper Gray (Curtis 41), Hughes (Malone 66); O’Brien Whitmarsh (C), Ferizaj (McManus 66), Vata (Murray 41), Zefi (Murphy 32), Tetteh (McLoughlin 41), Nolan (Barrett 66).
Czech Republic: Tomas (GK), Zachoval, Konecny, Vitarigov (Koutny 74), Horak, Werani, Lopatar, Gaszczyk, Misek, Faltus, Huna.
Results
January 30: Spain 2-0 Ireland
February 1: Netherlands 2-1 Ireland
February 3: Ireland 0-2 Czech Republic