Paul Doolin hailed his Republic of Ireland side for producing an “outstanding” performance in their 1-0 win over the Netherlands at at Tallaght Stadium last night.
It might have only been a friendly but the win against one of Europe’s heavyweights bodes well for the Uefa qualifiers that Ireland host in Waterford from November 13th-18th.
A dominant first-half display yielded the Irish a deserved interval lead from the penalty spot.
When Tark Cada barged into the onrushing Connor Dimaio inside the box on 25 minutes, Eoghan Stokes of Leeds United converted from the spot.
Goalkeeper Verrips had earlier denied Reece Grego-Cox from close-range and the stopper was kept busy after the break as his outfield teammates struggled to click.
Everton midfielder Harry Charsley, one of three half-time substitutes, struck a 25-yard shot that stung the palms of the goalkeeper on 79 minutes while Joel Coustrain rippled the side-netting later.
Liam Bossin, the Belgian-based player between the sticks for Ireland, was untroubled during the contest, with Steven Bergwjin slicing the best chance of equalising on 66 minutes woefully wide.
It proved a pleasing night for Doolin ahead of Ireland’s double-header friendly in Sweden next month. Then, they move on to the qualifiers where they meet Switzerland, Malta and Gibraltar in a round-robin series for the two places into the elite phase.
