Ronald Koeman expects slower start from Ireland but wary of Evan Ferguson factor
Ronald Koeman doesn’t expect Ireland to begin tomorrow’s qualifier at the frenetic pace that earned them the lead in Dublin.
The Netherlands manager admitted his surprise at how swiftly the hosts pressed in September, leading to Adam Idah’s fourth minute converted penalty.
Responses from Cody Gakpo, also from the spot, and Wout Weghorst either side of the half claimed a 2-1 win for the Dutch while effectively killing off Ireland’s ambitions of challenging them for a place at next year’s Euros.
Defeat to Greece four weeks later confirmed that fate for Ireland, rendering tomorrow night’s final game for them at the Amsterdam Arena meaningless in terms improving a final position in the table of fourth.
Netherlands know that completing the double over Stephen Kenny’s side will book their ticket to Germany, allowing the peripheral players to get a run in Tuesday’s last outing against minnows Gibraltar in Faro.
Unlike the first meeting at the Aviva Stadium, Ireland do have their star striker Evan Ferguson fit and available.
Some local knowledge from their new first-choice goalkeeper and Brighton teammate Bart Verbruggen has helped preparations in combating the threat of the 19-year-old. His Premier League goal tally has already reached double-figures.
“We know he's a good striker (but) we have good information from our goalkeeper, Bart, about him,” said Koeman at today’s prematch press conference at the KNVB training centre in Zeist, an hour outside of Amsterdam central.
“I watched him here last week against Ajax when he came in. He's a good young one, a goalscorer who must defend well against.
“Ireland’s start in Dublin was not what we expected. They pressed a lot in the beginning, we lost a few balls in the first part of the
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