Amber Barrett is the toast of Ireland tonight after she fired a dramatic late winner to hand the Republic of Ireland a brilliant 3-2 World Cup qualifier win over the Netherlands.
The Milford striker’s goal on a memorable night at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork ensures that Ireland’s hopes of qualifying directly into next summer’s World Cup remain alive.
They face France next on Tuesday in Gronoble where victory will see them off to the Brazil World Cup as group winners.
The fancied Dutch team fell behind to Kyra Carusa’s early goal and while the visitors levelled from the penalty spot through Dominique Janssen with 20 minutes left, Abbie Larkin scored again to put Ireland 2-1 in front.
The Netherlands equalised for a second time late on when Victoria Pelova scored.
But Ireland showed remarkable resilience to score a third – Barrett pouncing to score in the 90th minute after coming on as a late replacement for Carusa.