A first half Dutch double meant that Irish hopes of a major upset were dashed early on in last night’s FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter.
Bayern Munich’s Lineth Beerensteyn found half a metre to head home from a Renate Jansen cross, and twelve minutes later the deficit increased to two with captain Sherida Spitse converting from the penalty spot.
Conceding early was never part of the plan and there was a momentary flash of fear that the Dutch would unleash all weaponry to try and hammer the home side, as they had done last Friday when they crushed our Northern Irish counterparts by seven goals to nil in Eindhoven.
But the girls in green were resolute and credit must be given to a solid positional performance from Bell’s well-drilled side.
Here are five things that we can take from Ireland’s two nil home defeat last night.
1. Bell won’t just talk the talk
In his post-match interview, the Irish manager was adamant that the words “moral victory” would not be permitted in his presence. Bell demands a mentality that winning and winning alone is the only acceptable result. Highlighting individual errors and citing specific deviations from the game plan that led to conceding, Bell is setting certain standards that the players must meet, or they will not play.
"The goals that we conceded were our own fault" - @FAIreland manager Colin Bell spoke after his side's defeat. #IRLWNT #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/wfluSur1hD
— eir Sport (@eirSport) April 10, 2018
2. Fitness remains a problem
The amount of work it takes to condition a body to be able to chase the European champions for the majority of a ninety minute game cannot be underestimated. In terms of stamina and endurance capacity, the Irish were certainly capable.
But fitness encompasses more than just an engine and physically, the Dutch were clearly superior. Each player in orange could clearly boast effortless energy, but they could also demonstrate an athleticism and power that was not universal amongst the Irish players. Something to continue to work on.
3. Denise O’Sullivan is world class
The North Carolina Courage number ten is to the Irish women’s team as Roy Keane was to the men's side all those years ago; a stand out player a level above.
Her coolness and composure, plus her ability to retain possession in tight spaces is unrivaled in the squad. Add to that her defensive capabilities which were on show again and again last night.
She is world class and the Cork City native is not discussed enough in Irish sporting circles.
"We're still very much in the race with the top two teams" - Player of the Match @OSullivanDenise spoke to Dave after her side's defeat in Tallaght. #COYGIG #IRLWNT pic.twitter.com/OFbxoNKbbs
— eir Sport (@eirSport) April 10, 2018
4. The support is there
The hype around the Irish WNT has never been bigger than that experienced these last two weeks. Evident by two record crowd attendances, last night’s crowd of 4,047 pipping the Slovakia game last Friday, it goes to show that the support is there. The crowd will come when there is something to shout about.
Indeed the coverage from top broadcasters in the run up to the games has been quality. The girls need to continue to ensure that performances demand such coverage.
5. Five days in June will determine our fate
The home crowd will be asked to flock once more when Norway visit Dublin on Friday, 8th June. Another double header, the Irish will face Norway twice over the space of five days. Two draws would be enough to allow Ireland to finish in that precious runners up position, should they then beat Northern Ireland in their final game on August 31st.
