Losing has unfortunately come easy to the Republic of Ireland this Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.

Stephen Kenny’s side were placed into an arduous group featuring France, Greece, Netherlands and Gibraltar. They have been drastically unlucky throughout the campaign, as a Mike Maignan wonder save stopped them from getting a well-deserved draw against the French in March.

Unfortunately, Lady Luck’s decision to ignore the Irish has resulted in them losing five of their six qualifying matches. However, if they lose their next game against the Dutch, they may put themselves in a better position to qualify for the Euros.

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After losing 2-0 at home to Greece, Ireland’s chances of qualifying out of Group B are over. But, a convoluted route to the tournament can be taken via the Nations League.

The Euro 2024 play-offs will feature the best-performing sides from the Nations League that did not qualify for the tournament via the traditional group system. However, to ensure they are in the best position to do so, they would be better to let the Netherlands stamp all over them.

If you were Ireland, would you be happy with the team losing to the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments section below

Adam Idah of Republic of Ireland and Virgil van Dijk of Netherlands battle for the ball during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Netherlands at Dublin Arena
A defeat would serve Ireland better than a victory over the Netherlands
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Ireland cannot allow more than seven teams to be above them in the Nations League ranking that also failed to qualify automatically. Ronald Koeman’s side are currently above Ireland in those rankings, but they are also in danger of not qualifying automatically.

They are in third position with both France and Greece above them, the latter in which by three points. If the Oranje beat Ireland, they will overtake Greece via the head-to-head rule.

Frenkie de Jong of Netherlands and Chiedozie Ogbene of Republic of Ireland battle for the ball during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Netherlands at Dublin Arena
The two sides face off in November

Losing to the Netherlands could create another play-off spot for Ireland, while a draw or a win could shut the door on those hopes. This crunch, must lose match takes place on November 18.

The Irish do play Gibraltar next, but that is a match they are expected to win.