Abbie Larkin has stated that nobody should ‘underestimate us’ after Ireland upset the odds to topple Netherlands on Friday at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Larkin assisted the opening goal on Friday before scoring Ireland’s second, an immediate riposte, only 59 seconds after Netherlands had drawn it level. The Crystal Palace forward was given Player of the Match by the FAI.
After a match winning performance, Larkin spoke to the media and The Halfway Line was there to hear from her.
Kyra Carusa ‘finished it off, she always does’ lauds Abbie Larkin
In front of a passionate crowd of 12,569 in Cork, Ireland kept their hopes of automatic qualification alive. Larkin was asked how it felt to score such a vital goal,
“Amazing” she said. “I don’t think you can ever describe the scoring feeling, to be honest.
“The emotions are so high, you don’t even know what you’re doing half the time. But yeah, goosebumps.”
Larkin was asked to speak on her assist too for Kyra Carusa‘s opener,
“Yeah, I mean, me and Kyra have played together quite a few times now and I think we know how each other plays” Larkin explained. “As soon as I got the ball, I knew she was going to make that run.
“I just outside of the boot and get it around to her. She finished it off, as she always does.”
‘You can’t underestimate us’ says Abbie Larkin
Victory against Netherlands saw three different Ireland strikers find the back of the net. No small feat with Ireland’s three time Player of the Match winning striker from this campaign suspended and unable to feature.
Ireland have scored five goals in League A, only five sides have scored more. The Halfway Line asked Larkin how it is working so well for Ireland up front at the moment,
“Yeah, I mean people on the bench, like our strikers especially like, we’re always ready to come on when we need it” Larkin proudly asserted. “We all know our role so whether we’re starting or we’re not, we’re going to give our all.
“We proved that tonight, as you can tell. Amber coming on the last few minutes and she scored a goal so you can’t really underestimate us.”
Our fans ‘spurs us on a lot more’ lauds Larkin
As Ireland conceded again and level brought themselves level, the roar of the crowd did never wavered. Larkin was asked what the difference between Netherlands and Ireland was on the night,
“Yeah, I mean, I think the Netherlands are a top team” Larkin said. “They definitely played good football tonight and put us under a lot of pressure. But yeah, I mean, as the underdogs, I think we definitely put them on, I’d say, a lot more pressure.
“And obviously with our fans behind us, that spurs us on a lot more. And, you know, I think definitely when they equalised, we were definitely needing to get another goal and I think we’ve done well to do that.”
Larkin was asked if the victory gave Ireland confidence to take on France on Tuesday,
“Yeah, 100%” Larkin affirmed. “I think as well playing my club football, playing regularly has definitely helped me. So, yeah, feeling really confident. Can’t wait for France.”
