Netherlands defeat Ireland to get into Euro 2024

• The Netherlands have booked their slot in the Euro 2024 set to be played in Germany
• The Dutch confirmed their place with a 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland
• Burnley’s on-loan striker to Hoffenheim scored the winner at the Johan Cruyff Arena

The Republic of Ireland concluded their lackluster Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, as Wout Weghorst propelled the Netherlands into the finals with a decisive 1-0 victory. The match, held at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, saw the Burnley striker repeating his heroics from the earlier fixture in Dublin, leaving Ireland with an insurmountable challenge.

Weghorst’s lone goal secured the Netherlands the coveted second place in Group B, with France leading the group after an overwhelming 14-0 triumph over Gibraltar. The Dutch performance, while reflected in a seemingly narrow scoreline, was a testament to their dominance over a Republic of Ireland side that struggled to make an impact throughout the encounter.

Stephen Kenny’s men, amid a dismal campaign, managed to secure only six victories out of 29 competitive games under his management. In the match against the Netherlands, they found themselves outclassed by a superior side, failing to pose a significant threat under the closed roof of the Johan Cruyff Arena. The Irish team, aspiring to make a statement against one of Europe’s traditional powerhouses, fell short of expectations.

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Netherlands striker Wout Weghorst celebrates after scoring the winner against the Republic of Ireland in a Euro 2024 qualifier. | PHOTO: Sky |

The Republic of Ireland’s aspirations of securing a play-off berth via the Nations League were officially extinguished on Thursday night following Slovakia’s 4-2 victory over Iceland. With automatic qualification already slipping from their grasp, this defeat against the Netherlands added another layer of disappointment to the conclusion of their Euro 2024 qualifying journey.

Wout Weghorst, the Burnley forward on loan from Hoffenheim, emerged as the catalyst for the Netherlands’ success, delivering crucial goals in both encounters against Ireland. His winner in Dublin set the tone for the Dutch side, and he replicated this performance in Amsterdam, securing not only the victory but also the coveted ticket to the Euro 2024 finals.

The match against the Netherlands underscored the Republic of Ireland’s struggles under Stephen Kenny’s leadership. With only six wins from 29 competitive games, the team faced formidable challenges against top-tier opponents. The encounter in Amsterdam was a stark illustration of the gulf in quality between the Irish side and the traditional powerhouses of European football.

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The closed roof at the Johan Cruyff Arena witnessed a Dutch side in control from the outset. Despite the 1-0 scoreline, the Netherlands displayed superiority in possession, creativity, and defensive resilience. The Republic of Ireland, on the other hand, failed to make a meaningful impact, struggling to assert themselves against the relentless Dutch pressure.

The disappointing conclusion to the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign adds to the mounting challenges faced by Stephen Kenny. The team’s inability to secure a play-off berth through the Nations League, coupled with the lack of automatic qualification, leaves Ireland on the sidelines for the upcoming tournament. Kenny will undoubtedly face scrutiny and questions regarding the team’s performance and the path forward.

As the Netherlands celebrates their qualification for the Euro 2024 finals, attention turns to the Republic of Ireland’s future prospects. Evaluating the team’s shortcomings and identifying areas for improvement will be crucial as they regroup for future campaigns. The disappointment of this qualifying journey should serve as a catalyst for reflection and strategic planning within the Irish footballing hierarchy.