Amber Barrett delivered the decisive blow in green at Cork, scoring in the 89th minute to send Ireland past the Netherlands 3-2. The win keeps Ireland's direct route to the 2027 FIFA World Cup alive and secures at least a seeded place in the autumn play-offs.
Barrett ends the swing
Barrett came off the bench and finished the latest twist in a match that flipped back and forth after Ireland had led twice. Her goal settled a game that had already seen two Netherlands equalizers and left Ireland with the result it needed most.
Kyra Carusa had put Ireland ahead on 18 minutes, and Abbie Larkin restored the lead one minute after Dominique Janssen levelled from the penalty spot in the 69th minute. Victoria Pelova then pulled the Netherlands back to 2-2 with 13 minutes remaining, leaving the final answer to Barrett.
Courtney Brosnan holds firm
Courtney Brosnan played a major part in the win by making two major second-half saves to keep Ireland in front during the periods when the Netherlands were pushing for a third goal. Those stops mattered because Ireland had already shown it could score, but it still needed help at the other end to stay in control.
Leanne Kiernan also added to the pressure on Ireland after receiving two quick bookings and going off late. That left Ireland to finish the match short-handed in a game that had already turned on small margins, with Anna Patten among the defenders trying to protect the lead before Barrett settled it.
Grenoble on June 9
The win means Ireland can still qualify directly for the 2027 FIFA World Cup with a victory over France in Grenoble on Tuesday, June 9. Even if that result does not go Ireland's way, the Netherlands win has already guaranteed a seeded spot in the autumn play-offs.
That leaves Ireland in a strong position after a five-goal night in Cork at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, with Carla Ward's side now one result away from the direct path and already certain of a second chance if it needs one. Barrett's finish gave Ireland more than a late winner; it kept both routes open.
