The Republic of Ireland host the Netherlands in Group B, where a home win will take Ireland on level points with their opponent. The last time Holland played against Ireland was in a 2016 friendly match at the Aviva Stadium where the score ended 1-1. This time around, the Dutch army will be hoping for a more positive result.
Republic of Ireland
Stephen Kenny’s side have played four games so far in qualifying and they boast a record of one win and three defeats. That single victory was against 198th rank Gibraltar and in fairness to Ireland, they are in an extremely tough group alongside France, Greece and this weekends opponent. The Boys in Green have shown that their biggest strength is when they defend as a unit and attempt to nullify the opposition attackers. This may be why they are more comfortable when they are the underdogs, as it allows them to soak up the pressure and hit the opponent in transition, which is how they will approach the game versus the Netherlands.
On the other hand, their Achilles heel seems to be in front of goal and without their star striker, Evan Ferguson who is ruled out due to injury, Ireland massively lack a clinical forward. Adam Idah and Aaron Connolly are alternative options but neither of them can replicate what the young Brighton attacker produces.
Netherlands
The Netherlands started their qualifying campaign with a 4-0 defeat to World Cup finalists France, but since that poor result, they have bounced back with back to back 3-0 victories. Although they beat Greece 3-0 this week and they were the favourites to win the game, some people expected the Dutch to struggle. Yet Ronald Koeman’s side silenced the critics and they were three goals up by half-time. The wing back system that the coach uses seems to get the best out of all his players, especially when playing against a low block. With Denzel Dumfries and Daley Blind holding the width, the attacking players and midfielders can all overload the central areas, including the box when dominating possession.
Xavi Simons and Cody Gakpo will be key to unlocking the stubborn Irish defence and their off the ball movement will have to be frequent if they are to find any joy. The Netherlands will dominate the ball, but they have to be wary of over committing too many players forward as Chiedozie Ogbene has the potential to catch them out on the counter with his pace and ball carrying ability.
Verdict?
The Netherlands have shown that they have enough attacking firepower to cause any team problems and although Ireland are a solid defensive unit, they are lacking in the attacking areas. Unless Koeman’s side become complacent, I can’t see anything other than a Netherlands win.
The final prediction is Republic of Ireland 0-2 Netherlands.
