Tide against O'Sullivan to make Ireland's World Cup test in Netherlands

DOUBT: Ireland’s Denise O'Sullivan could miss Netherlands clash in Utrecht. Pic: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Time is against Denise O’Sullivan to be fit for Ireland’s second World Cup qualifier on Saturday, a testing trip to Netherlands.

Evidence of the Corkwoman’s nagging knee injury was evident during his first six matches at Liverpool by the sight of heavy strapping.

The bandage followed her on international duty and when she careered into an early tackle against France in Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat, the consequential pain in her face was apparent.

That she soldiered on despite Carla Ward priming Abbie Larkin to replace her was admirable but contributes to a situation whereby rest and recuperation are essential to avoid further damage.

The FAI haven't officially ruled the 31-year-old out of earning her 129th cap. Against the returning Daniëlle van de Donk and fellow veteran Jackie Groenen, Ireland could do with the guile and nous guaranteed by O’Sullivan’s presence.

If, as expected, she misses out, then Ward could opt for a reshuffle that resembles the side that delivered the job in the playoff against Belgium last November.

Anna Patten excelled in midfield during that second leg and may be shifted out of defence, accommodating the return of Jessie Stapleton to the three-player backline unit.

Netherlands have struggled to maintain the success they enjoyed when the nations last met competitively.

They had just won their first tournament – the home-based Euro 2017 – when Ireland held them scoreless in Nijmegen and they came through that World Cup qualifying to reach the 2019 final in Paris, where they were beaten by USA.

Eventual champions Spain needed extra time to knock them out at the quarter-final stage of the next World Cup, the 2023 version in Austria but a group stage exit at last year’s Euros spoke of a golden generation nearing its natural conclusion.

Vivianne Miedema was integral to that crew and the striker is on the younger side of that squad graph by still being 29.

That she’s charging towards another WSL title at Manchester City underlines her quality but her most noteworthy takeaway from Tuesday’s 2-2 draw in Poland was gifting a stray pass for Barcelona’s Ewa Pajor to burst clear and open the scoring.

"It was a difficult start,” said Dutch captain Dominique Janssen, the Manchester United defender part of their century club.

“We weren't good enough with the ball in the first half. We know that very well. The second half was a bit better but ultimately it just wasn't good.

“Poland’s first goal was unfortunate but Viv scored a fantastic goal. Their second goal also came from a transition. If we were a bit better at that ourselves, those chances wouldn't arise either.

"We have to give it our all against Ireland because Saturday is a new match. We're going to do everything we can to keep the points at home."

They’ll be cheered on by a raucous crowd at the 23,750-capacity Stadion Galgenwaard in Utrecht.

Ireland’s priority, albeit they won’t admit it publicly, are next month’s double-header against Poland, firstly away in Gdansk on April 14 before the return at Lansdowne Road five days later.

Picking up points against the top two was deemed bonus territory but the fact Poland already hold an advantage on that front heightens the need to cause another upset like many of the current squad did all of nine years ago.