A bad ending to a disastrous qualifying campaign, one that is likely to cost Stephen Kenny his job.
Ireland's performance in Amsterdam was a poor one. The 1-0 scoreline might suggest that this was a relatively close affair, but that certainly wasn't the case.
The Netherlands completely dominated in every facet of the game, creating some good chances and offering little encouragement to the visitors at the other end. In truth, they did not have to play all that well to impose themselves on the game in such a manner.
They came up against an Irish side that lacked any sort of threat in attack. As well as that, they gave the ball away cheaply on a number of occasions and offered far too much space to the opposition. Were it not for the performance of Gavin Bazunu, the scoreline would have been a much worse one.
In the end, it was perhaps a fitting way to finish off what has been one of the most disappointing qualification campaigns in recent memory.
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Richie Sadlier on 'uncomfortable' Stephen Kenny interview on RTÉ
Stephen Kenny has remained steadfast in his approach throughout this difficult period, one that is likely to cost him his job. It is expected that his contract will not be renewed as we head into 2024.
Even in light of tonight's performance, Kenny brought up what he viewed as the positives of his time in charge of the team.
He talked on RTÉ about blooding young players, many of whom have improved their standing at club level as a result. He also praised the application of his team and discussed how Ireland teams have always struggled away against top opposition in the past, as well as talking up the brave approach they took this game.
Stephen Kenny is unsure as to his future as Ireland manager, but feels that many of his players are now on an "upward trajectory"#NEDIRE #soccer #Euro2024Qualifiers pic.twitter.com/BhXPXyrsT7
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) November 18, 2023
It was a bit of an odd approach from the Ireland boss considering the circumstances.
Stephen Kenny may be repeating the same message we have heard throughout his tenure, but the words are certainly ringing hollow at the moment.
Speaking on RTÉ, Richie Sadlier admitted he found Kenny's interview 'uncomfortable' and said the time had passed for us to be listening to the former Dundalk boss defend his record in such a manner.
I was uncomfortable watching that.
With all of the game we have watched with Stephen in charge over the last three years, we would always be interested to see what was said after the game. His words were relevant and they mattered, they would give us an insight into what he thought and what he might do the next time.
There was no really no relevance to what he said tonight. The words don't matter anymore.
Matt Doherty said earlier that the training pitch is great and the dressing room is great. The pitch is the bit where it matters.
His team, consistently for a long time now, there's no point in going over it anymore. There is no point going over what he said or analysing his mood, or pick apart what he said or deems as important.
We're at the point now where we're ready to move on.
He certainly has a point.
This game was just a flat end to what has been a hugely disappointing spell under Stephen Kenny.
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