Risks not rewarded as defensive errors cost Ireland vital victory

Three years creating a team around a solid back line, but in the end, it proved their Achilles Heel, as the Ireland defence were crushed by a double Dutch demolition to call time on their Euro 2024 Group B campaign.

It was a must-win encounter at Lansdowne Road in order to remain in contention for automatic qualification, following three defeats from their first four outings, however, two defensive lapses meant that Ireland, once again, fell short, losing 2-1 to the Netherlands.

That’s four loses from five now for Stephen Kenny's side, and with three games remaining, their maximum tally of 12 would not be enough to see them snatch second place, barring a remarkable run of results elsewhere.

France are already out of sight, and the Dutch now have nine points on the board with four games to play, including a game against Gibraltar. Likewise, Greece also have nine points with three games to play.

It all proved too good to be true, as Ireland flew out of the blocks and could have taken the lead in the opening minute, following great play from Alan Browne, stopping a short kick-out and setting up Chiedozie Ogbene for a shot at goal.

It did not materialise, but a penalty came straight from the corner, and suddenly Adam Idah was standing over the ball, 12 yards from goal. The young Cork striker made no mistake.

The packed stadium didn’t need a second chance to get behind the team and the opening ten minutes suggested that the vital victory could be on the cards.

But it was early, very early, and so it proved, as once the Dutch got going, they showed their class.

Ronald Koeman’s side are packed with players from the top clubs around Europe, but it took some sloppy play from the Irish defence to get them going.

It all started with a soft