Women’s European World Cup Qualifiers
Republic of Ireland 3 – 2 Netherlands FT
The Republic of Ireland kept their World Cup qualification hopes alive with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Netherlands in their penultimate qualifier at the rain-soaked Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork.
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Kyra Carusa opened the scoring with a first-time finish in the first half, but Dominique Janssen leveled from the penalty spot in the second half.
Abbie Larkin restored the lead for the hosts with a deflected strike, but substitute Victoria Pelova equalized late on.
In a dramatic finish, substitute Amber Barrett netted the winner from a corner in the 89th minute.
Carla Ward’s team can secure automatic qualification for their second successive World Cup with a win against France in the final qualifier on Tuesday.
Regardless of the outcome, the Republic of Ireland has also guaranteed a seeded spot in the play-offs this autumn.
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Barrett Scores Late Winner
Barrett scored the decisive goal in the 89th minute [Getty Images]
In the initial phase, the Netherlands dominated possession, with Esme Brugts nearly scoring after cutting in and firing wide. However, against the flow of play, Larkin assisted Carusa, who put the ball in the net on 18 minutes to take the lead. The Dutch responded quickly, hitting the crossbar through Lynn Wilms.
In the second half, the Dutch continued to dominate, and Republic of Ireland’s goalkeeper, Courtney Brosnan made crucial saves to keep the hosts in the match. The Netherlands finally leveled at 69 minutes when Mannion fouled Groenen, and Janssen converted the penalty.
Just a minute later, Larkin regained the lead for Ireland with a strike from a cross, only for Pelova to level again for the Dutch eight minutes later. But Barrett’s late effort snatched the victory for the Republic of Ireland just before the end.
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Though Leanne Kiernan was shown a red card late in the game, the Republic of Ireland held on for the notable win.
Analysis: Resilient Republic of Ireland Achieve Major Victory
Kyra Carusa and Abbie Larkin made significant contributions during the match at Pairc Ui Chaoimh [Getty Images]
Ward noted that the team’s performance against Poland was a true representation of Irish spirit, and their display against the Dutch mirrored that determination as they achieved a significant win.
The Republic of Ireland demonstrated resilience by bouncing back twice after conceding goals and securing critical points in their quest for automatic qualification.
In challenging weather, they defended admirably, soaking up Dutch pressure and countering effectively.
The solid defensive trio of Anna Patten, Caitlin Hayes, and Chloe Mustaki excelled at thwarting the Netherlands’ formidable attack.
Carusa, Larkin, and Barrett showcased their scoring capabilities at crucial moments, demonstrating their importance to the team.
Larkin capitalized on Emily Murphy’s absence with an impressive display, and Barrett, who previously made impactful contributions, sealed the game with her late goal.
The absence of star player Denise O’Sullivan, also suspended, was felt less as the team showcased depth and resilience. With O’Sullivan and Murphy returning for the France match, the Republic of Ireland heads to Grenoble with renewed confidence, eager to secure another significant result and continue their historic journey.