More late disappointment for Ireland against Dutch but key tests await

Ireland levelled through a Katie McCabe penalty but the Dutch struck late from a corner.

Amber Barrett of Republic of Ireland during the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifier match against the Netherlands. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

NETHERLANDS 2 (Lineth Beerensteyn 20, 82) IRELAND 1 (Katie McCabe 50 pen) 

A couple of 2-1 defeats – and Katie McCabe goals – has reduced Ireland’s prospects of distorting the World Cup qualifying group, but the pivotal games await next month.