Heartbreak again for Ireland as Beernstyen’s brace denied the girls in green first result of qualification campaign.

Netherlands 2

Republic of Ireland 1

Carla Ward’s side travelled to the Netherlands after their 2-1 loss to France at Tallaght Stadium last Tuesday. Ireland were without Denise O’Sullivan, who returned to Liverpool after sustaining a hamstring injury against France. Hayley Nolan also left the camp after picking up an injury in training.

Lucy Quinn replaced Denise O’Sullivan as the only change to Ireland’s starting eleven from the game against France. The Netherlands, who drew 2-2 with Poland in their previous outing in the group, made three changes to their lineup.

A noticeable Irish crowd was present as the anthems rang out in Utrecht before kick-off.

Ireland started the game brightly. Katie McCabe delivered the first corner of the match and found Caitlin Hayes, with the ball going out for another corner. Lucy Quinn remained threatening during these early moments, while Hayes also came close as Ireland put the Dutch defence under pressure.

The Netherlands began to grow into the game as the half progressed. Kaptein had an early chance that went wide before Courtney Brosnan denied Beerenstyen after a dangerous run on goal.

Ireland continued to defend well and created another corner in the 14th minute, but nothing came from the opportunity.

The breakthrough came in the 20th minute. A good delivery from Wilms found Beerenstyen at the back post and she finished to give the Netherlands a 1-0 lead.

The Dutch continued to dominate possession after the goal, but Ireland remained competitive. Brosnan produced another strong save to deny Jannsen before the half hour mark.

Murphy, Sheva and Mannion all became more involved as Ireland tried to respond, although they struggled to break down the Dutch defence. Brosnan briefly went down with an injury in the 32nd minute but was able to continue.

Quinn later had an effort that went wide before Brosnan made two more interventions to deny the Netherlands before half time. Despite Ireland’s strong play at times, the Netherlands led 1-0 at the break.

Wilems kicked off the second half and Ireland made the perfect start. In the 48th minute the visitors were awarded a penalty. Captain Katie McCabe stepped up and calmly drove the ball into the right hand corner to make it 1-1.

The Dutch responded by increasing the pressure. Beerenstyen tried her luck again but Brosnan dealt with it well. Leuchter later sent a free kick straight into the goalkeeper’s arms, while Miedema fired over the bar after another chance created by Wilems, who stood out as a playmaker throughout the game.

Emily Murphy received a yellow card for a foul before Sheva was also booked as the match became more physical. The Netherlands introduced fresh legs with a triple substitution, while Van De Donk looked composed after coming on.

Carusa continued to work hard in attack, while Donegal native Amber Barrett made an impact after coming off the bench.

Connolly tried her luck following a good Irish move and later delivered a dangerous free kick that eventually fell to McCabe, but the Irish captain could not get enough power behind the effort. The teams then took a water break after Brosnan went down for a second time in the match.

The decisive moment came in the 81st minute. From a corner, Beernstyen scored her second goal of the night to restore the Netherlands’ lead at 2-1.

Ireland pushed for a late equaliser. Abbie Larkin was involved in a promising attack from a corner in the 88th minute, but Dutch keeper Kop dealt with it comfortably. Cork native and Celtic’s Saoirse Noonan was introduced before five minutes of stoppage time were added.

Connolly had one final opportunity from a free kick in stoppage time, but the Dutch defence cleared the danger before the final whistle.

Despite strong performances against both France and the Netherlands this week, Ireland remain without a win in the group. Carla Ward’s side will face Poland next on April 14th at the Aviva Stadium in what could be a crucial match in a difficult qualifying group.

Player of the Match: Emily Murphy’s work rate and play from chances was impressive tonight. The Newcastle Forward showed skill on the field tonight in this fixture. RTE who televised the game awarded Murphy the title for a second time this week. Caitlin Hayes is also an noticeable mention for her contribution to the team tonight and of course McCabe scored a penalty for the away side on a tough night.

Netherlands: Kop 1, Wilms 2, Jannsen 20, Bunman 4, Olislagers, Kaptein 8, Miedema (Gronen 10 (65′) )9, Egurola 21, Roord (Brugts 11 (65′)) 10, Leuchter 19 (Van De Donk 10 (65′)), Beerenstyen 7.

Republic of Ireland: Brosnan 1, Mustaki 3, Hayes 4, Mannion 5, Connolly 6, McCabe 11, Patten 12, Sheva 14 (Noonan 20 (90′)), Quinn 15 (Barrett 9 (65′), Carusa 18 (Larkin 19 (84′)), Murphy 21.

Referee: Frida Klarlund (Finland).