Ireland’s women’s team managed to keep the European champions at bay for ninety minutes and in doing so, brought home an absolutely crucial point for their World Cup 2019 dream.
For all the doom and gloom that surrounded the Irish men’s team’s unsuccessful attempt to book a place in next summer’s World Cup 2018 and the crushing loss at home against Denmark that ended it all, the Irish women have managed to do their country proud by holding off the European Champions the Netherlands, earning a draw and with it, a crucial point to keep them level with the Dutch as the year draws to a close.
Injuries were cruel to the girls in green in the leadup to this one with a few crucial stars having been left on the sidelines but despite all of that, they managed to put on a truly beautiful defensive display, bringing their opponents to a stalemate and earning themselves the praises of the packed De Goffert Stadion, which holds about 12,000 people.
Some last-ditch defending and one brilliant off-the-goalline clearance in particular almost undid all of their good work but when the ref finally blew, the mood was simply jubilant.
The highlights of Ireland’s brilliant performance can be viewed below.
Foul??? Last woman???
Amber Barrett bundled over but nothing given by the referee. Live now over on https://t.co/ujNLuioJ2c. #IRLWNT #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/kGNMTHum77— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 28, 2017
Off the line again!
Superb defending again from Tyler Toland. You can watch the game in full over at https://t.co/ujNLuioJ2c. #IRLWNT #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/OCTeVadVNv— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 28, 2017
ICYMI: Here are the second half highlights from a historic night for the #IRLWNT in Nijmegen.
What a start to the group it has been for Colin Bell's side. #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/xgRilnUbQ6— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 28, 2017
FT: Netherlands 0-0 @FAIreland.
What a sensational defensive performance from Ireland. Absolutely brilliant from Colin Bell's side. Remarkable! #COYGIG #IRLWNT pic.twitter.com/A8XLXqEAe7— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 28, 2017
Cillian Cunningham, Pundit Arena
Read More About: Ireland, irish football, netherlands, world cup 2019
