Euro 2024 Qualifier Preview: Republic of Ireland -v- Netherlands

Stephen Kenny and Ronald Koeman

Stephen Kenny and Ronald Koeman Credit: None

Macdara Ferris reports from FAI HQ and the Aviva Stadium

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

The metrics tell the story of Sunday’s match. Ireland must take the three points on offer or else there is a zero chance that the Boys in Green will qualify from this group for the big party in Germany next summer with a chances of a Nations League play-off tied up in multiple permutations - none of which are good.

Ireland require the best result of the Kenny era when they face the Dutch on Sunday night. They need one of those historic signature wins if they are to get their EURO2024 qualification back on track.

Memories go back to the 2001 victory against the Netherlands we’ve heard a lot about this weekend or the 1-0 victory over Germany in 2015. Nothing less than a famous win is required.

The task is slightly easier than the game earlier this week against a French side who have yet to concede a goal in this qualification group but the Netherlands have plenty of talented players who Kenny said were of “the highest calibre” playing with some of the best clubs around Europe.

Kenny spoke about the challenge of facing the Dutch a few days after the loss to France when he spoke with the media at the FAI HQ early afternoon on Saturday.

“It's a different game tactically to France,” said Kenny. “France are the best team in the world, in my opinion, an incredible team, an emerging team that's got better from the World Cup, I think.  

“The weekend was the Netherlands best performance. Against Greece, they changed things around tactically and they played very well. Greece are a good team and they emphatically beat Greece, 3-0 up at half time and they won comfortably.  

“We're going to have to put in the performance of our lives and we're determined to do that.



"For sure we need goals in the team, we need to match Holland right throughout and be aggressive in our approach also in this game and also be composed in the cauldron of the Aviva, be composed under pressure” 

It is a win or bust match and extratime.com asked Kenny did that change their approach? “We know a victory is important for us, we know how important it is. The players are clear on how we're going to play, and we'll certainly be tested against this team.

“This Dutch team had a strong World Cup and lost on penalties to Argentina, and they still got to the semi-finals of the Nations League as well but didn’t start so well (losing semi and third/fourth placed playoff).

"So it's a very, very tough challenge ahead against Holland but one that we're happy to embrace and take on.” 

There was a big game vibe about the visit of the Netherlands with a very large Dutch presence at the pre-match press conference and the sold out signs up on Lansdowne Road.



“It's a great game, Sunday night in Dublin, in the Aviva Stadium, the anticipation. It's a sellout for a long time, people are excited about the game, it has a real edge to it. Holland have a great tradition, they've had a lot of great teams.

Shane Duffy described Sunday’s match “as a huge game” and that is something he says the Ireland team can “thrive off”.

Duffy added: “We want to make it another special night as its more memories we can create. I think personally the games, the memories, that I talk about to my children, big nights for your country. It's another chance for us to make it another special at the Aviva and make more memories.” 

Republic of Ireland (probable): Gavin Bazunu; Nathan Collins, Shane Duffy, John Egan; Matt Doherty, Josh Cullen, Jason Molumby, James McClean; Jason Knight, Adam Idah, Chiedozie Ogbene

NETHERLANDS

Ronald Koeman’s side got their qualifying campaign back on track with a 3-0 home win over Greece earlier this week.

The Netherlands have only failed to score in one of their previous 25 matches across all competitions, netting 61 goals in this run.

The only team to shut them out in this run was France, who beat them 4-0 back in March in a European Championship qualifier – that was the worst away result for the Dutch ever in European qualification and means that they are looking to avoid losing consecutive away games in all competitions for the first time since a run of four in 2014.

The Dutch boss was aware of Ireland’s recent habits of letting in long range efforts and conceding early second half goals.

“We are always looking at strengths of opponents and where we can create offensive play,” said Koeman speaking in the Aviva Stadium on the eve of the game.

“France got a 1-0  win (in Dublin) with a good shot from outside of the box and they scored similar earlier this week.”

Reflecting on what threat Ireland will bring, Koeman said “it is always the same if you play against Ireland, they will fight and will play with high intensity. If we have good ball possession, we hope that will be the difference.

“The Ireland players need time. They don't have a lot of players playing in the Premier League. That makes it really difficult for the coach (Stephen Kenny).”

It is a must win match for Ireland and that might create opportunities for Koeman’s side.

“The coach said it is their last chance for them to get second place in the group. That is true but maybe at end of game they will take more risk.”

Koeman went with a back three against Greece and it will likely be similar but with Matthijs de Ligt expected to come in for Nathan Aké.

Netherlands (probable): Mark Flekken; Lutsharel Geertruida, Virgil van Dijk, Matthijs de Ligt; Denzel Dumfries, Tijjani Reijnders, Frenkie de Jong, Daley Blind; Xavi Simons, Wout Weghorst, Cody Gakpo.

Referee: Irfan Peljto (Bosnia & Hergovina)

The Bosnian referee was the official in charge of the Ireland under-21 2-0 win away in Andorra in 2015 when Josh Cullen scored and also Jeunesse d'Esch v St. Patrick's Athletic Europa League qualifier in 2016.

MATCH STATS

The last time these teams met in competitive action Ireland won 1-0. That was the 2002 World Cup qualifier at Lansdowne Road. They’ve played three friendlies since then. Ireland won 1-0 in Amsterdam in 2004 thanks to a Robbie Keane goal – their most recent game was a 1-1 friendly in 2016.

John Egan will miss the next match at home to Greece if he picks up a booking.

Ireland have lost only four of their last 46 home European Championship qualifying matches, winning 26. ONe of those defeats was earlier this year against France, losing 1-0. They haven’t lost two in one qualifying campaign since losing to Italy and Austria in Euro 1972 qualifying.

PREDICTION
1-1

Republic of Ireland

Injured: Evan Ferguson, Seamus Coleman, Mikey Johnston, Will Keane, Enda Stevens

Doubtful: Caoimhin Kelleher

Suspended: None

Netherlands

Injured: Memphis Depay, Steven Bergwijn, Jurrien Timber, Sven Botman, Justin Bijlow, Tyrell Malacia, Brian Brobbey

Unavailable: Ryan Gravenberch

Doubtful: Nathan Ake

Suspended: None

About Macdara Ferris

Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile