Republic of Ireland kept their hopes of achieving automatic qualification for the World Cup alive as they beat Netherlands 3-2 in their penultimate qualifier at a rain-soaked Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork.
Kyra Carusa broke the deadlock with a first-time finish in the first half before Dominique Janssen equalised from the penalty spot in the second half.
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Abbie Larkin’s deflected strike had the hosts back in front before substitute Victoria Pelova scored a late equaliser.
There was to be one final twist in an entertaining game as substitute Amber Barrett poked home the winner from a corner on 89 minutes.
Carla Ward’s side can book their place in a second successive World Cup and finish top of the group with victory over France in Grenoble in their final qualifier on Tuesday.
Barrett scores big late goal
Barrett poked home the winner in the 89th minute [Getty Images]
The Netherlands dominated possession in the opening stages and went close through Barcelona’s Esme Brugts, who cut in from the left-hand side and flashed a shot wide of the far post on seven minutes.
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The opening goal then arrived against the run of play on 18 minutes as Larkin poked the ball into strike partner Carusa, whose low effort trickled into the far corner beyond the reach of Lize Kop on the greasy surface.
The visitors almost responded immediately as Lynn Wilms rattled the crossbar with a long-range effort.
The Dutch continued to dominate possession in the second half and Republic of Ireland were indebted to Courtney Brosnan for producing two big saves.
She first thwarted Lineth Beerensteyn from point-blank range and then tipped a rasping strike from Jackie Groenen over the crossbar.
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They eventually drew level on 69 minutes as Aoife Mannion brought down Groenen in the box and Janssen just about beat Brosnan from the resulting spot kick.
Netherlands were level for just a minute however, as Larkin nipped in at the front post to get on the end of a cross from Marissa Sheva, with her deflected strike beating Kop.
The Dutch hit back again eight minutes later as substitute Victoria Pelova showed great composure to finish from close range.
But Republic of Ireland kept pushing and scored again on 89 minutes as Barrett poked home at the back post after latching onto Anna Patten’s flick on.
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Substitute Leanne Kiernan was then sent off after receiving two yellow cards, but Republic of Ireland held on for a fine win.
Analysis: Resilient Republic of Ireland claim huge scalp
Kyra Carusa and Abbie Larkin both scored and impressed at Pairc Ui Chaoimh [Getty Images]
Ward said that her side’s display against Poland at home in March was a “proper Irish performance” and the same can be said for how they played against the Dutch in Cork as they showed great character to pull off a big win.
Twice they were pegged back by Netherlands and twice they fought back to seal what could prove to be a big three points in the race for automatic qualification.
Republic of Ireland showed grit and determination in defending well in tough conditions, absorbing lots of Dutch pressure before hitting them on the break at every opportunity.
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The settled back three of Anna Patten, Caitlin Hayes and Chloe Mustaki were imperious again as they frustrated Netherlands’ star-studded forward line.
As was exhibited against Poland, they had the clinical edge when it mattered most, with Carusa, Larkin and Barrett showing their goalscoring instincts when it mattered most.
Larkin took full advantage of Emily Murphy’s suspension, justifying her selection with an energetic display alongside the industrious Carusa, who is becoming a big-game player for her side.
Barrett made the telling contribution, scoring a big goal off the bench as she did in the previous World Cup qualifying campaign.
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The biggest compliment is that the Irish did not miss star player and Cork native Denise O’Sullivan, who was also suspended.
With her and Murphy returning for the France game on Tuesday, Republic of Ireland will go to Grenoble with confidence high that they can pull off another massive result and create more history.
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