Dutch bullish about applying last rites to Ireland's floundering Euro dream

Ronald Koeman has no qualms about branding Ireland inferior, speaking confidently about racking up back-to-back wins for the first time since his comeback.

HERE FOR THE WIN: Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman during a Netherlands press conference at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Ronald Koeman marched into his pre-match press conference in full playing kit and donning colours apt for what his Dutch team could inflict on Ireland.

Gone from the training Netherlands garb was traditional tangerine to be replaced by what the fashionistas term burnt orange.

Any result for the visitors at Aviva Stadium tomorrow could see Stephen Kenny’s reign torched to the ground.

Both the manager, who replaced Louis van Gaal after the World Cup for his second stint at the helm, and captain Virgil van Dijk agreed that Ireland’s tactics will be driven by the last-chance saloon they inhabit.

Even Kenny has acknowledged since Thursday’s defeat in France, the third of their four qualifiers, that a draw won’t rescue their chances of securing one of the two places on offer from the pool to Germany. Ireland will have three games left in October and November.

Koeman has no qualms about branding Ireland inferior, speaking confidently about racking up back-to-back wins for the first time since his comeback.

He also appeared enthused by the unwanted habit of Ireland conceding from outside and straight after half-time, as has occurred in the last five competitive matches.

The sole injury concern for the Dutch is Nathan Ake, a half-time withdrawal in Thursday’s 3-0 defeat of Greece, but they have plenty of defensive cover with Matthijs de Ligt and Stefan de Vrij. Tottenham’s recent €50m recruit Mickey van de Van didn’t even make the substitutes’ bench.

"Ireland play with a lot of enthusiasm despite the fact that they have inferior players,” said Koeman. “That doesn't mean it's easier. Intensity is important and our quality must ultimately be decisive.

“Their coach says this is their last chance to take second place and that’s true. So maybe at the end of the game they will take more risks.

“Normally they play with five at the back and maybe they will change. All of that can be possible but the best way you can do it is to prepare for all possibilities.

“Of course, we are always looking to the opponent for where their strengths, where we can score and create offensive play. France scored against Ireland from a good shot from outside the box (in March) and again in France last week. That's where we're looking, of course. But they will analyse us as well about our strengths and also our weaknesses.” 

Liverpool powerhouse Van Dijk added on the challenge they face against the Irish: "We know that a completely different job from Greece awaits us tomorrow.

“Ireland approach this as a must win and we will too. I think we should also enjoy that and go into it full force.” 

This will be first competitive meeting between the nations since that famous afternoon at the same venue all of 21 years ago when a Roy Keane masterclass and Jason McAteer curler combined to crush l’Oranje.

Koeman was involved in much of the previous history – games at three tournaments, Euro ’88 followed by the 1990 and 1994 World Cups – but was reluctant to indulge the past for portents of how the modern version will unravel.

“It's not good to compare teams of Holland or Ireland in the 80s or the 90s,” said the 60-year-old, who managed Ireland’s injured captain Seamus Coleman at Everton.

“The Irish were really strong at that time with a great public behind the team and we had big moments against them, in '88 the lucky goal to win that game and in the 90's in Italy, it was a draw.

“But they were really strong with good strikers – John Aldridge and Frank Stapleton. Their coach Jack Charlton was famous and that has changed..

“They have now more younger players who they need time. They don't have a lot of Irish playing in the Premier League anymore and that makes it really difficult for the coach.” 

Euro 2024 Group B qualifier: Ireland v Netherlands, Aviva Stadium (7.45pm).

Referee: Irfan Peljto (BIH).