'We didn't take one step back' - Stephen Kenny defiant in defeat

Ireland came to spoil the party, but in truth, the festivities kicked off after just 12 minutes of this final Euro 2024 clash at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.

Wout Weghorst again wreaked havoc in the Ireland defence – as he had done in the Dublin game – and it was a combination of the big man's attacking ability and some awful Ireland defending that led to that opening goal.

Nathan Collins was caught badly in the build-up as he was easily helped out of the way, albeit with a strong tug of his shirt, and with no one in behind to cover, the flying Dutchman had a one-way ticket to the goal, and he made no mistake, slamming an unstoppable effort into the top corner.

The home side looked completely at ease from that moment on as the crowd sensed, even at this early juncture, that there was a giant chasm of class between the two sides.

And so it would prove as the home support spent more time trying to work a Mexican Wave midway through the first half than supporting their eleven on the pitch.

The reality was Ronald Koeman’s well-drilled unit did not need the help as they coasted through to half-time, bemused, no doubt, as they only led by one goal at the break.

There really was little to please the travelling Ireland support, who again had issues getting into the stadium before the game, with Gavin Bazunu the only player matching what was on offer from the home side.

Stephen Kenny opted for an attack-minded eleven and it was encouraging early on to see the back three pushing on, urging those ahead to go deep.

And yet it was nothing like that ferocious first half in the Aviva Stadium encounter when Chiedozie Ogbene and Adam Idah’s energy caused serious issues in the centre of defence.

Ogbene was unavailable through injury, while