The Irish women's national team have held out for a pretty magnificent 0-0 draw away to European champions Holland in their World Cup qualifier this evening. To give you an idea as to how difficult tonight's Irish assignment was: the Dutch had won their last eleven games, unsurprising for a team littered with talent. Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema is a sensation, who has struck 49 (!) international goals by the age of 21. Her partner Lieke Martens plays with Barcelona, and is the reigning World Player of the Year.
And yet, an Irish side missing six important players for a variety of reasons: Megan Campbell, Stephanie Roche, Aine O'Gorman, Claire Walsh, Ruesha Littlejohn, and Claire O'Riordan were all unavailable to Colin Bell. Yet Ireland hung on quite brilliantly, with Louise Quinn particularly outstanding, leading a resolute defensive display.
There was some controversy at the end, with the Dutch denied a penalty despite these desperate appeals for handball:
NO Penalty!
The Dutch aren't happy! Still 0-0! LIVE now on eir sport 1 & https://t.co/ujNLuioJ2c. #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/Dibj1iewVc— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 28, 2017
The referee was as unmoved as the Irish defence, as Ireland clung on for a famous - and hugely valuable - draw. The draw leaves Ireland level in second place with the Dutch on seven points from three games, two points behind Norway - on whom both Ireland and Holland have a game in hand. Each of the seven group winners qualify automatically, while the four best-ranked runners-up will clinch a play off.
This improbable result leaves Ireland right in contention. Here's some of the reaction among players and fans watching on:
Get in! Me nerves in the last few mins but what a point that is @FAIreland #COYGIG 🇮🇪❤
— Stephanie Roche (@StephanieRoche9) November 28, 2017
My face is hurting from smiling so much!! So proud of the effort by every single one you girls💚 #COYGIG #1reland☘️ https://t.co/J79g9XNUG1
— Megan Campbell (@megcam10) November 28, 2017
This is what it means! Incredible! #IRLWNT?? pic.twitter.com/bMm1a1hcIK
— FAIreland ⚽️?? (@FAIreland) November 28, 2017
Hats off to @FAIreland WNT and captain @_KatieMcCabe9 take a bow 🙇♀️ an outstanding performance #teamwork #resilience #COYGIG
— Paula Brady (She/Her) (@paulasbrady) November 28, 2017
What a result from @FAIreland ...unbelievable display of backs to the wall type of stuff, so organised & together @louise_quinn4 colossus at the back 👏🏻💪🏼☘️ #IRLWNT
— Niamh Briggs (@niamhbriggs15) November 28, 2017
Brilliant from the #IRLWNT they never stopped battling, great result against the European Champs 👏👏👏👏
— Marie Crowe (@mariecrowe) November 28, 2017
BRILLIANT! #IRLWNT draw 0-0 with Euro Champs, The Netherlands..!! Absolute heart-stopping game to watch as brave @FAIreland women hang on! 👏
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) November 28, 2017
A draw AWAY against the EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS Nederlands! (apologies for text shouting, very excited here). Massive congrats to the @FAIreland women's team. Serious result pic.twitter.com/8BLuUQekZe
— Jenny Murphy (@jennymurphy045) November 28, 2017
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