Ireland unable to topple Dutch in Tallaght
TALLAGHT Stadium played host to two crucial Women’s World Cup qualifiers recently with record crowds attending both matches.
While 3521 witnessed the 2-1 win over Slovakia in which Peamount United’s Amber Barrett scored the winner, 4047 turned up in terrible conditions to support the girls in green against the mighty Dutch.
Peamount's Amber Barrett attempts to chase down Renate Jansen
And despite going down 2-0, Colin Bell’s side can hold their heads high after a spirited performance against the European Champions.
The hosts were 2-0 up after 22 minutes, Lineth Beerensteyn scoring the opener after captain Katie McCabe was robbed of possession, and following that, the Dutch were handed a controversial penalty.
Despite this set back, Ireland battled hard, but the visitors always had that slight edge.
Former Peamount player Louise Quinn was solid at centre half while captain McCabe from Kilnamanagh worked hard throughout despite picking up a second half knock.
Barrett came on as a second half substitute and despite her best efforts, Ireland were unable to make any in-roads into their opponents’ lead.
Ireland will be disappointed with the outcome, but they will still be hoping to qualify for their first major championship finals after having won three of their opening four games in the competition.
And if they can get the same strong support for their crucial double-header against Norway in June, anything can happen at that stage.
TAGS Sport
