Republic of Ireland women’s head coach Colin Bell admits his side are massive underdogs for this evening’s World Cup qualifier against the Netherland- but he insists they have to believe they can get a result.
The Girls in Green have begun their World Cup qualifying campaign with two wins from two- over Northern Ireland and Slovakia.
However, they have a tough task on their hands to continue that 100% record- as they travel to face the European champions at the De Goffert Stadion in Nijmegen tonight (7pm Kick-Off Irish Time).
Colin Bell will be without several key players for the game- Megan Campbell is set to miss the rest of the qualifying campaign with a knee injury, while Stephanie Roche, Aine O'Gorman, Claire Walsh and Ruesha Littlejohn are also out through injury. Claire O'Riordan has also left camp due to family-related matters.
The Netherlands also have two wins from their opening two games- against Slovakia and top seeds Norway.
Despite that, Bell is still confident they can get a result.
He was speaking to Derek Ryan on Sunday’s Now That’s What I Call Sport on 98FM.
“We know that we are total outsiders”, said Bell.
“We’re playing against the European Champions at home- full house. They’ve beaten everybody the last few games. So we know what we’re up against.
“It’s gonna be a fantastic opportunity for us to see where we stand. But we want to try and get that mindset and mentality that we always have a chance against everybody.
Bell has been in charge of the side for less than a year, as he looks to improve the team.
“Were doing alot of hard work- and we need to be doing that hard work.
“And also we’ll have to work really really hard on Tuesday evening to get something out of this game.
“But we’re prepared. I just want to have that mindset that the Girls really do believe that we have a chance. But they obviously then have to define why they believe that. And that’s what we’re working on.
“Yeah in every camp we’ve been doing alot of work tactically against the ball. But we’re also doing alot of stuff with the ball, cos we have to improve our game on the ball.
“So we’re doing alot of hard work and hopefully that’ll pay off in the long run.
Also on Sunday’s show, we chatted to Shane Byrne, Jason Sherlock and Pat Gilroy.
Now That’s What I Call Sport is on every Sunday morning from 9am on 98FM.
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