Netherlands prevailed over Ireland in Utrecht on Saturday night thanks to a double from Lineth Beerensteyn.

The Oranje Leeuwinnen had fallen to a disappointing 2-2 draw in their previous match against Poland. However the Dutch got back on track with a 2-1 victory over Carla Ward’s Ireland.

In Arjan Veurink’s second competitive game in charge there were positive performances littered across the pitch and The Halfway Line offers it’s verdict on an important victory.

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Netherlands Player Ratings

GK: Lize Kop – 6.5/10 –Made some interesting choices playing out from the back. Wasn’t always confident enough to claim crosses.

RB: Lynn Wilms – 8/10 –Provided the assist for the Netherlands’ opening goal. Defensively solid too, even though her stats make you think she’s primarily strong in attack.

RCB: Dominque Janssen – 6.5/10 – Defensive centre back duo was more solid than against Poland when it was Janssen and Dijkstra with Buurman at left back.

LCB: Veerle Buurman – 7/10 – Continued her strong form this time from centre back tonight.

LB: Marissa Olislagers – 7.5/10 – Showed Veurink what she can bring to the team after not having been called up under Veurink’s predecessor Jonker.

CM: Damaris Egurrola – 7.5/10 – Solid showing in midfield from the OL Lyonnes player. Played some great balls in behind.

CM: Wieke Kaptein – 7.5/10 – Dictating play in the middle of the park. Constantly on the move.

CAM: Vivianne Miedema – 6.5/10 – Not her best game in an Orange shirt and in general, but admittedly, the bar is very high.

LW: Lineth Beerensteyn – 6.5/10 –Scored the Netherlands two goals and should have had three, but shot straight at Brosnan in a 1v1. Showed up when it really mattered.

RW: Jill Roord – 7/10 – Good in tandem with Lynn Wilms on the right flank.

ST: Romée Leuchter – 6.5/10 –Some good movement from the PSG striker, did not get the service she ultimately would have wanted.

SUBS

Jackie Groenen – 7/10 – ( Roord 65′) –Strong in the 1v1s and brought some much needed fighting spirit into the game.

Esme Brugts – 6/10 – (Leuchter 65′) –Came on with a point to prove after having been dropped from the starting XI and ultimately did not manage to do that.

Daniëlle van de Donk – 6.5/10 – ( Kaptein 65′) – Has been out injured for a while and is still finding her form.

Chasity Grant – N/A – (Miedema 90′) –