Cody Gakpo strides forward before lashing the ball high and over the crossbar.

The Irish midfield and defence is struggling to get to grips with Gakpo and Xavi Simons' movement.

Image source, Getty Images

After patient build-up play from the Dutch, the ball is worked out to Denzel Dumfries, who plays a teasing low cross into the box that Liam Scales does well to clear, with Wout Weghorst lurking behind him.

Evan Ferguson has been a peripheral figure so far for the Republic as they struggle to get out of their own half.

He has been back defending deep for much of the contest.

Image source, Getty Images

Ryan Manning delivers the ball from the left into Bart Verbruggen's arms.

The Southampton wing-back is finding plenty of space on the left hand side, but has yet to really test the Dutch defence with a dangerous cross.

Gavn Bazunu is quick off his line to smother at the feet of Cody Gakpo.

Xavi Simons played the ball into Wout Weghorst, who flicked the ball into the path of the onrushing Gakpo, but Bazunu is alert to prevent the Liverpool forward from getting a shot off.

The Dutch are starting to get in behind the Republic defence frequently now.

Wout Weghorst thundered home to open the scoring for Netherlands early in Amsterdam.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Alan Browne takes the corner, but his deep delivery is easily headed away by Daley Blind, much to the frustration of the Republic players who had come up for the corner.

A positive response to the Republic from going a goal down, as Callum Robinson wins the first corner of the game for the away side.

Ronnie Whelan
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on RTE

What a strike from Weghorst. It was a good finish but a mess up from Ireland. Again with the Ireland team we look as if we're okay when we start off and then we run into each other in the middle of the park and then we give a goal away.

Image source, Inpho

Ronnie Whelan
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on RTE

This is good from Ireland so far, making it difficult for them. Letting the Dutch have the ball but not letting them get past us or cause any problems as of yet.

At the other end, Alan Browne surrenders possession to Daley Blind and the ball is worked to Xavi Simons, who skips past a challenge before firing off-target.

You would expect the RB Leipzig midfielder to at least test Gavin Bazunu from that range with the form he is in.

Image source, Gett

A first sight of goal for the Republic with Matt Doherty capitalising on a mistake from Quilindschy Hartman to win the ball high up the pitch.

He finds Callum Robinson, who in turn, lays it off to Alan Browne, whose low strike is straight at Bart Verbruggen.

The Preston midfielder didn't get a proper connection on the strike.

As expected, the Dutch have controlled possession in the early stages, without yet threatening, with the Republic holding their shape well.

Image source, Inpho

As expected the Republic have lined out in a back five to try and stem a potent Dutch attacking force.

Nathan Collins in the centre with Liam Scales and Dara O'Shea either side of him. Ryan Manning and Matt Doherty are the wing-backs.

Ronnie Whelan
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on RTE

It's a tough night, we all know that. The Dutch have a lot of injuries but they have still put out a very strong team. The Dutch people have come here tonight to party, they believe they are going to win this tonight. They start these games very fast at home.

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Callum Robinson gets the game underway in Amsterdam, where they Republic will hope to spring an upset.

Richie Sadlier
Former Republic of Ireland striker on RTE Sport

It's difficult to even know how to approach tonight's game. It is an opportunity for the manager and his staff and players to end the campaign on a high. It's been a disappointing campaign but it's an opportunity to end on a high against a very weakened Dutch squad, so there is a chance.

Shay Given
Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper on RTE Sport

I think Evan Ferguson is a huge talent for our country and for Brighton as well. He's grabbing goals in the Premier League, so we just need to give him the service to be honest. We have a six foot three striker, sometimes it's just about getting the ball into the box and when you have someone of this strength and calibre and power then go and feed him with balls into the box.

The teams make their way onto the pitch to a party atmosphere in Amsterdam.

Can the Republic be the party poopers this evening however?

We will find out soon, first up, the anthems.

Image source, Getty Images