Kenny optimistic about Euro 2024 qualification chances
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Kenny optimistic about Euro 2024 qualification chances

Republic of Ireland boss, Stephen Kenny, has admitted that Ireland could still make it to Euro 2024 next year, despite the poor odds.

On Monday night, Ireland defeated Gibraltar 3-0, with goals from Evan Ferguson, Mikey Johnston, and Adam Idah. This victory marked Ireland's first win of the campaign, having already played three games. However, consecutive losses against France and Greece have presented a significant challenge for the Irish team to advance from the group stage.

Ireland currently shares the same number of points with the Netherlands, but the Dutch have been preoccupied with the Nations League, giving them two games in hand over Ireland. Furthermore, Greece also has a game in hand, further complicating Ireland's task of qualifying for next year's finals.

Despite the seemingly bleak situation, Kenny refuses to give up just yet. He expressed his optimism, stating, "It's a seven-day window, it's a short window, it's France on a Thursday night in Paris and Holland on the Sunday night here in the Aviva Stadium, so it is a really exciting window."

Kenny emphasized the importance of being well-prepared for these challenging matches.He continued, "They are epic games, and nothing is impossible, that's the way we feel about it. We pushed France very close, and obviously, it will be different in Paris, but it will be an interesting game for us, and I'm very excited about the two games."

Kenny acknowledged the significance of the upcoming September and October windows, particularly the tough challenge of facing Holland and France. However, he remains optimistic, stating,"We have to have good September and October windows in those four games, but we have a tough September window with Holland and France, so we still have every chance and we just have to back ourselves in that window," added Kenny. 

Ireland's next double-header dates are France on September 7 and the Netherlands on September 10.