Heimir Hallgrimsson admitted he was consumed by anguish following the Republic of Ireland's World Cup play-off elimination against Czechia at the Fortuna Arena.
The Irish squad surrendered a commanding two-goal advantage during normal time before suffering heartbreak in the penalty shootout, where Finn Azaz and Alan Browne both had their efforts denied by the goalkeeper.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport, the devastated manager described his immediate emotions: "Just pain. We only feel pain.
"When you go this far, obviously it is up to luck or a flip of a coin. So it's just pain that we feel obviously, being that close."
Hallgrimsson acknowledged that comforting his squad proved virtually impossible given the circumstances.
"It was not a good football match. The match was never under control, either for us or them. It was long ball, crosses, set-pieces, duels. That is how the game was decided, in these moments," the head coach reflected.
He revealed the team had intended to keep possession on the ground, but emotional intensity prevented either side from establishing dominance.
Ireland lost on penalties to Czechia on Thursday night
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A pivotal moment arrived when Ryan Manning conceded a penalty shortly after Ireland had established their two-goal cushion.
"I thought we were having control when that penalty came. We felt good and it always affects psychologically you when you concede so quickly after," Hallgrimsson lamented.
The manager noted that set-pieces generated the majority of opportunities throughout the contest.
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Heimir Hallgrimsson could barely conceal his pain after Ireland's defeat to Czechia
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Despite the crushing defeat, Hallgrimsson found solace in the remarkable support from Irish fans who had travelled to Prague in their thousands.
The Icelandic manager described witnessing their devotion as a profound experience: "It's just unbelievable the people we have supporting us and just to feel the love at the end of the game even though we lost.
"It was, for me, magical, seeing it as a foreigner."
He expressed deep appreciation for those who made the journey to the Czech capital.
He added: "I just want to give thanks to all of those who that travelled here and supported us, not only now but throughout the whole journey. I don't want to forget that because this was special for me to see."
Positive news emerged regarding Sammie Szmodics, who regained consciousness after being knocked out during a collision in extra time.
Czechia beat Ireland on penalties to book their place at this summer's World Cup
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The Derby County forward will stay overnight in Prague before returning home the following day.
Looking ahead, Hallgrimsson insisted this painful experience must fuel future ambitions as Ireland turn their attention to Euro 2028 qualification, a tournament they will co-host.
"This is a journey. There will always be setbacks in every journey. A journey to success is never a straight line. This is obviously a painful setback," he stated.
The manager emphasised that facing a Czechia side unbeaten at home for an extended period, and ranked higher by FIFA, offered reasons for pride despite the outcome.