Arjan Veurink warns Ireland could be banana peel

Netherlands women's team (Oranjevrouwen) must beat Ireland to keep World Cup 2027 qualification hopes alive. Coach Arjan Veurink warned that Ireland will not be an easy opponent. Analyst Leonne Stentler described Ireland as a potential banana peel after the previous international window.

Ireland sit on six points in the qualification group, still fighting for the top spot that grants direct qualification. In March they led early against France but lost 1-2 after conceding in the final nineteen minutes. Ireland recorded seven shots on target in that match while France managed only two.

Veurink said the Irish side possesses great speed up front and is hard to beat when pressed. Captain Katie McCabe, who scores about once per season for Arsenal, has been prolific recently with five goals in her last seven internationals. McCabe's tally includes a goal against the Netherlands in the March encounter.

At Galgenwaard stadium the Netherlands secured a 2-1 win over Ireland thanks to a late Lineth Beerensteyn strike. Beerensteyn's goal highlights a potential tactic to exploit Ireland's defensive weaknesses in Cork.

Ireland under coach Carla Ward often scores early but has not found the net after the 60th minute in this qualification cycle. During the same period they have conceded four goals. They also concede half of their goals from corner kicks, a rate only bettered by Luxembourg.

Tomorrow's match in Cork offers both teams a chance to secure qualification, as a draw would allow France to claim first place. Veurink affirmed the Netherlands are fully prepared and confident in their squad's abilities.