The Republic of Ireland secured a crucial 3-2 victory over the Netherlands in their penultimate World Cup qualifying round, in a game played on a soggy pitch at Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork. Amber Barrett, who came on as a substitute, was the hero when she scored the winning goal in the last minute.
Kyra Carusa opened the scoring with a first-half strike before Dominique Janssen leveled the score in the second half with a penalty. Abbie Larkin made it 2-1 for the hosts with a shot that ended up being deflected, but the Dutch team didn't give up and Victoria Pelova equalized almost at the end. In an electrifying finale, Amber Barrett scored the winning goal, turning in a corner in the 89th minute.
Carla Ward's team can guarantee their presence at the World Cup for the second time in a row and finish top of the group if they beat France in their final round, scheduled for Tuesday. Even if they draw or lose in Grenoble, the Republic of Ireland has already secured the possibility of being seeded in the playoffs that will take place in the autumn.
The Netherlands dominated possession in the first few minutes, coming close to scoring with Esme Brugts, who narrowly missed the goal. The first goal came against the run of play, when Larkin set up Carusa, whose shot went into the corner of the goal, far from the reach of goalkeeper Lize Kop. The Dutch responded quickly, with Lynn Wilms hitting the post with a long-range shot.
In the second half, the Netherlands continued to press and the Republic of Ireland had an excellent performance from goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan, who made two great saves. Equality arrived in the 69th minute, when Aoife Mannion fouled Groenen in the box, and Janssen converted the penalty.
However, the Republic of Ireland's lead was quickly restored by Larkin, who turned in Marissa Sheva's cross. The Netherlands didn't give up and Pelova scored again, showing great calm at the end. But the Republic of Ireland scored again with Barrett finishing well from a corner.
Despite Leanne Kiernan's dismissal, the Republic of Ireland managed to hold on for victory. Ward praised the performance of his team, who showed great character and determination to win a game in difficult conditions, absorbing Dutch pressure and taking advantage of counter-attacking opportunities. The defense, made up of Anna Patten, Caitlin Hayes and Chloe Mustaki, was solid and managed to frustrate the Netherlands' attacking line.
With the return of Denise O'Sullivan and Emily Murphy for the game against France, the Republic of Ireland go to Grenoble with high confidence, ready to make history again.