Denzel Dumfries runs Ireland ragged! Inter Milan star inspires 2-1 victory that all but ends Euro 2024 qualifying chances for Stephen Kenny's side
A Denzel Dumfries-inspired Netherlands secured a comeback victory against Ireland to boost their chances of qualifying for Euro 2024.
TELL ME MORE: The Netherlands earned a 2-1 comeback victory at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday night thanks to goals from Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo and Hoffenheim forward Wout Weghorst, who cancelled out Adam Idah's early penalty. Irish boss Stephen Kenny said in the lead-up to this match that his side needed the «performance of their lives» against the Oranje following their 2-0 loss to France on Thursday. And it looked like his team would deliver on that goal as striker Idah gave the hosts the lead in the fourth minute from the spot after Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk handled in the box. Their bright start, however, was halted when the visitors drew level 15 minutes later as Gakpo converted his spot-kick after keeper Gavin Bazunu brought down the rampaging full-back Dumfries.
Kenny's men had 56 per cent possession in the first half but barely laid a glove on Ronald Koeman's team in the second period. Half-time substitute Weghorst fired the Dutch ahead in the 56th minute following a flowing team move, with the electric Dumfries providing the assist. Ireland huffed and puffed but they could not create enough clear-cut chances as the Dutch eased to a deserved win. The result means their chances of qualifying for Euro 2024 are all but over as they are fourth in Group B and sit six points behind the Netherlands in second, plus they have played a game more.
THE MVP: Inter Milan star Dumfries was the pick of the bunch at the Aviva as he ran Ireland's defence ragged. Not only did he keep winger James McClean under wraps, but the 27-year-old was also a constant menace in attack. He won his
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