Ireland boss Kenny defends players after Holland Euros defeat

Football
19 Nov 2023 • 7:34 AM MYT
Tribal Football
Tribal Football

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Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny defended his players after their Euros defeat to Holland.

The Dutch have qualified for Euro2024 after winning 1-0 thanks to Wout Weghorst's goal. Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen kept a clean sheet.

"The players played very well for some periods," Kenny told RTE Sport.

"I think the Netherlands are a world-class team. They are one of the top teams in Europe, we've played them twice, there was nothing in the game in Dublin and nothing here.

"They had a lot of chances and we relied a lot on last-ditch defending and Gavin Bazunu to play well in goal.

"The Republic of Ireland have never won an away game against a tier one team in history and it's because it's very hard."

Asked if Tuesday's friendly will be his last in charge, Kenny added: "I don't control that.

"It is quite possible, but I don't know. All I can say is that I see the effort, the level of skill and bravery from the players, but it wasn't enough; the Netherlands were better than us."