Republic of Ireland lost 2-1 to the Netherlands in their Euro 2024 Group B qualifier as their slim qualification hopes went up in smoke.
Ireland got off to a dream start when, with just two minutes gone, Dutch skipper Virgil van Dijk was penalised for handling James McClean’s corner and Adam Idah fired home from the penalty spot.
However, the visitors were back in it after 19 minutes when Cody Gakpo split the Irish defence to find Denzel Dumfries’ run and he was brought down by keeper Gavin Bazunu, who was booked for his troubles, as he attempted to round him.
Gakpo took responsibility from the spot and fired low to Bazunu’s left to level.
The Netherlands took the lead 11 minutes after the restart when Frenkie De Jong picked out Dumfries’ run with a precise pass over the top and when he turned the ball across goal, half-time substitute Wout Weghorst was on hand to stab home.
For Republic manager Stephen Kenny, a fourth defeat in five Group B games and just a single win means a trip to Germany next summer through Group B is almost impossible with France having collected a maximum 15 points and the Dutch and Greece both sitting on nine.
More to follow…
Can Ireland qualify for Euro 2024 through the Nations League?
Three spots are allocated to teams based on their Nations League performances, where Leagues A, B, and C are allocated one place each with the winner of each play-off, consisting of a semi-final and final, secure safe passage to the upcoming Euros.
Ireland did only finish third in Group B1, finishing behind Scotland and Ukraine, however, they still may nab one of the four play-off spots as many of the teams in their pot will have already qualified automatically for the finals.
If Ireland are one of those teams allocated a play-off spot, the draw takes place in November 2023, with the play-off semi-finals and finals being played between March 21 and 26, 2024.
What’s next?
Republic of Ireland’s next game is a Euro 2024 Qualifier against Greece at the Aviva Stadium on October 13 – kick-off 7.45pm.
Netherlands’ next outing is against France in a Euro 2024 Qualifier in Amsterdam on October 13 – kick-off 7.45pm.
