A RECORD-BREAKING crowd of 4,047 was present at Tallaght Stadium tonight as Ireland hosted The Netherlands in their 2019 World Cup qualifier.
The European champions won 2-0, and with Colin Bell’s side failing to come from behind to draw or win, Holland will take the top spot in Group 3.
Bayern Munich striker Lineth Beerensteyn broke the deadlock for the in-control Dutch with just 11 minutes on the clock before Sherida Spitse fired home a penalty — albeit awarded in controversial circumstances — to double their lead in the 23rd minute.
Shanice van de Sanden followed suit and headed the ball into the back of the net as half-time approached, but that was ruled as offside.
Going into the fixture, Colin Bell’s side were unbeaten after four matches. Last Friday night, in the first outing of the crucial home double-header, Amber Barrett’s sensational 87th-minute strike sealed a 2-1 victory.
A record breaking crowd of 4️⃣,0️⃣4️⃣7️⃣ here to support #IRLWNT this evening! Thank you for your fantastic support! 👏🇮🇪⚽️ #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/li1vaI1PN8
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) April 10, 2018
That game was played in front of a crowd of 3,521, which set a new attendance record for a competitive women’s international in Ireland.
With online tickets sold out this afternoon, there was a sense that that figure would be surpassed and tonight’s crowd of 4,047 now claims the new record.
You can see the Dutch goals here, courtesy of eir sport who are showing the action live:
WATCH:
— eir Sport (@eirSport) April 10, 2018
First half highlights, including a controversial penalty decision, from Tallaght as Holland lead 2-0 at the break. #COYGIG #IRLWNT pic.twitter.com/Nm2f4WkNU4
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