Republic of Ireland set to host the Netherlands in May friendly date

The Republic of Ireland will host Netherlands in a 'Three' International Friendly at the Aviva Stadium on Friday, May 27th in their final warm-up game at home before UEFA EURO 2016. 

The match will be the 20th occasion the sides have met in all competitions and Martin O’Neill’s team will be hoping for a better result than the 0-4 loss at home in their most recent encounter in 2006.

During their EURO 2016 campaign the Dutch finished fourth in their group behind Czech Republic, Iceland and Turkey; it’s the first time The Netherlands have failed to qualify for a major tournament since they missed out on the 2002 World Cup.

The Netherlands are considered one of the world's top footballing nations, past glories include winning the European Championships in 1988 and being three time runners-up in the FIFA World Cup Final (1974, 1978, 2010).

The Dutch FA have also committed their trust in current manager Danny Blind despite not making it to France. Perhaps what’s more disappointing for Dutch fans is that Euro 2016 has an expanded format of 24 teams, up from than the usual 16 and with a squad boasting Robin Van Persie, Memphis Depay plus Klaas-Jan Huntelaar the Dutch press remarked it should have been an easy tournament to qualify for.

The game marks another opportunity for Martin O’Neill to assess his charges ahead of the Euros with the FAI having already confirmed International Friendly games in March at the Aviva Stadium against Switzerland (Friday, March 25) and Slovakia (Tuesday, March 29).