Ireland v Netherlands Pre-Match Breakdown!

Saba and Saba To Go’s Resident Hockey Superfan Ruthys Pre Match Thoughts!

In a repeat of 2018’s World Cup final in London and a recent European fixture, the Green Army play world number one side The Netherlands, tomorrow morning at 2 am Irish time. Whilst they are unlikely to be targeting this match for a win, they will be keen to utilize the opportunity to continue building on their form, fine-tune set pieces and tweak their structures.

Ireland recently met The Netherlands in June in the European Hockey Championships and fell 4-0 to them, two better than the World Cup Finals 6-0 loss in 2018 where Ireland won silver in an unprecedented and spirited campaign.

The Dutch, a world-class side, who Ireland has not beaten since 1963 and incredibly who have lost just once in their last 100 fixtures will be a tall order for world number 9 side, Ireland. On Saturday they beat India in a comprehensive 5-1 win, whilst Ireland put two away over South Africa on the same day, putting themselves into the history books once again with their first Olympic win on their debut appearance.

Squad selection will be an interesting one, as we wait to see will Irish coach Sean Dancer introduce his two players left on the reserve bench on Saturday, Lizzie Holden (nee Colvin) and Michelle Carey. Recovery is crucial this week with 5 matches in 8 days and the humidity also to deal with along with any injuries or niggles.