Ronald Koeman laments blunt attack after Dutch book Euro 2024 spot

AMSTERDAM – Coach Ronald Koeman lamented his side’s lack of cutting edge, despite the Netherlands clinching a berth at Euro 2024 after beating Ireland 1-0 at the Johan Cruyff Arena to finish second in Group B.

Wout Weghorst broke free from just inside the Irish half and, despite options to his left, decided to steam straight towards goal and strike a rasping effort that crashed into the roof of the net after 12 minutes on Nov 18.

The win took the Dutch to 15 points, six behind group winners France who have a 100 per cent record after their seven group matches, but out of the reach of Greece in third place.

Koeman said his side should have scored the second and third goals, adding: “I’m sorry we didn’t score more goals, because we created a lot of good opportunities. Our attacking play was not the best part of our performance. At 1-0, (Ireland) were hungry to get a draw. But we defended really well until the end of the game.”

His team finish their campaign on Nov 21 away to Gibraltar, who were thrashed 14-0 by France in Nice on Nov 18.

The injury-plagued Dutch, without many of their regulars, outplayed the Irish for most of the game and created several half chances but were unable to add to their lead, despite the best efforts of an attack led by Cody Gakpo.

Tijjani Reijnders had his 52nd-minute shot deflected onto the upright by goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and there were some brave blocks from defenders to deny several Dutch shots at goal.

Ireland thought they had equalised when substitute Adam Idah’s shot slipped through goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen’s hands in the 65th minute. The goal-line technology confirmed the ball had crossed the line but the goal was ruled out by the video assistant referee for offside.

It was the only moment of excitement for the travelling support as the Irish, who finished on six points with six defeats in eight matches, rarely conjured up any chances.

Said Ireland captain Matt Doherty of their qualifying campaign: “On the whole it was obviously disappointing, but I think we only let ourselves down twice: Both times against Greece.

“If you can play France at home and lose 1-0, and their goalkeeper makes an unbelievable save in the last second of the game... and at home to Holland, we could have been two or three up in the first 15 minutes.”

Ireland will play a friendly against New Zealand in Dublin on Nov 21 in what is expected to be the last competitive outing for manager Stephen Kenny.

The Dutch have now qualified for their 11th European Championship.

“I think we can be proud of ourselves,” said captain Virgil van Dijk. “With all the injuries, we put on a good show.”

The defender said he hoped injured players like midfielder Frenkie de Jong and striker Memphis Depay would soon be back.

“I think we fought very well as a team and showed a lot of resilience. That bodes well... Hopefully the boys who are now injured can get fit and then it can be a great European Championship,” he added.

Meanwhile, Romania reached just a second major tournament since 2008 by ending Israel’s chances of automatic qualification with a 2-1 win in Group I.

Despite playing their “home” fixture in Hungary because of the ongoing war with Hamas, Israel went in front after just two minutes through Eran Zahavi.

But Romania hit back quickly to level through George Puscas and secured their place in Germany thanks to Ianis Hagi, son of Gheorghe Hagi, who inspired the Romanians’ famous run to the 1994 World Cup quarter-finals.

Switzerland also qualified from the group despite being held 1-1 at home by Kosovo.

But Wales’ hopes of reaching a third consecutive European Championship were dealt a huge blow by a 1-1 draw away to Armenia as Croatia downed Latvia 2-0.

Wales must now beat already-qualified Turkey in Cardiff on Nov 21 and hope second-placed Croatia fail to beat Armenia at home, to book their spot from Group D. REUTERS, AFP