Republic of Ireland were unable to defeat the Netherlands at the Aviva Stadium as Luuk de Jong's late equaliser levelled the game following Shane Long's opener, ensuring a 1-1 draw between the Irish and Dutch.

Careful start from both sides

Both teams started the game carefully, with the Dutch intending to maintain control of the ball and ensure that they didn't concede early on.

Ireland set up with a diamond in midfield, and Bournemouth's Harry Arter was definitely up for the fixture. 

Holland put the Republic of Ireland under heavy pressure in the first fifteen minutes, they had a series of corners that the Irish dealt with well.

Ireland started to come into the game more after twenty minutes as Harry Arter hit a shot from around 25 yards which took a deflection before looping up into Jasper Cillessen's arms. 

Set pieces key for Ireland

Following Ireland's pressure, the Dutch resumed their control of the game however Ireland kept their shape well and thirty minutes into the game they took the lead after Robbie Brady's corner was headed goalwards by John O'Shea before being bundled over the line by Shane Long from close range.

It should be noted that Ireland are seemingly very strong from set pieces, as they showed in qualifying and this could benefit them well in the finals.

Ireland remained solid for the rest of the half and made it to half time still in the lead.

Just after the interval Republic of Ireland threatened from a set piece again, this time with a free-kick from Brady which Jonathan Walters could only head straight into the welcoming hands of the goalkeeper.

Better from the Dutch

The Dutch really only began to threaten Darren Randolph's goal with around twenty minutes to go, as Janssen's low header was saved by Randolph following Willems' cross. 

With just five minutes left on the clock, substitute Luuk De Jong headed in Jetro Willems' first time cross from eight yards. The Dutch hadn't previously challenged the Irish goal too much and Martin O'Neill wouldn't have been happy that his side couldn't see out the game.

O'Kane had a late chance for Ireland, but he snatched at the shot and his strike was not powerful enough. 

Good workout for Ireland

Ireland can go into their final warm up game against Belarus on Tuesday in high spirits following a solid team performance against a good side. 

Manager Martin O'Neill picks his final squad next week and Tuesday will be the player's last chance to impress their manager.

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About the author
Jordan Jamison
Aspiring Sports Journalist. Chelsea and Rangers. twitter.com/@BeIgianwinger