Ireland vs Belgium – John O’Shea takes charge of Boys in Green for Aviva Stadium friendly
Republic of Ireland interim head coach John O'Shea before the friendly match against Belgium. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
A general view of the Aviva Stadium tunnel before the international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Belgium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
John O’Shea begins his reign as Ireland interim manager with a friendly against Belgium at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off 5pm).
The Boys in Green are seeking an upturn in fortunes following the Stephen Kenny era against the Euro 2024-bound Belgians.
Ireland’s previous game against Belgium resulted in an entertaining 2-2 friendly draw at the same venue in 2022.
ROI
0
:
0
B
Belgium
We have reached the interval at the Aviva Stadium! The sides remain inseparable at 0-0.
There is one additional minute as Belgium have a final corner of the half. Robbie Brady clears the danger.
Another big chance for Ireland!
Kelleher relieves pressure with a free out. Ferguson flicks the ball on for Szmodics, who gets goalside of Castagne but the debutante's effort clears the crossbar marginally.
Kelleher relieves pressure with a free out. Ferguson flicks the ball on for Szmodics, who gets goalside of Castagne but the debutante's effort clears the crossbar marginally.
Brady crosses from the right sideline but Collins can't win his header. Belgium slowly make their way up the field.
Ireland have regained possession and look to build out from the back. Coleman is pressured in the air by Deman who fouls the Ireland skipper.
Brady looks to pick out Ferguson but De Winter interjects albeit with a sliced clearance. Ferguson shields the ball out for a corner to Ireland.
Bakayoko whips the resulting corner deep, but it's caught by the air and drifts wide.
Collins looks bemused as his high arm catches Openda. Bakayoko takes on Brady who forces the ball out for a corner.
Smallbone loses possession to Vranckx. Trossard tries to set Openda loose but Collins shuts off the striker and Kelleher collects.
Some smart play from Vermeeren sets Tielemans into space. The Aston Villa midfielder feeds Openda but his first touch escapes him and Ireland regather the ball.
Robbie Brady is intercepted by Vermeeren on the right hand side. Belgium look to threaten through Leandro Trossard.
Here's a look at that rather tame Evan Ferguson spot-kick. Perhaps the sign of a striker who is somewhat low on confidence this last while:
Bakayoko comes away with the ball on halfway after a beautiful bit of skill. Belgium work their way up to the Ireland 18-yard-box and Bakayoko shoots from range but it is well over Kelleher's crossbar.
Cullen recycles the attack out to Smallbone. The ball breaks to Ogbene who looks to fire across goal, however the Irish winger drags it a couple of feet left of the upright.
FERGUSON is DENIED!
The Brighton striker goes down the middle and Sels smothers it to safety. That was a poorly struck penalty.
The Brighton striker goes down the middle and Sels smothers it to safety. That was a poorly struck penalty.
Nathan Collins wins the free from Robbie Brady and Dara O'Shea hooks the ball into Arthur Vermeeren's right hand. Its a clear cut decision. Ferguson has the ball on the spot.
PENALTY TO IRELAND!
Werder Bremen full-back Olivier Deman clips the heels of Ogbene on the right. Ireland have a free huging the right sideline.
Cullen wins a free in his own half as Vermeeren takes him to ground. Ireland will look to settle down again and retain possession for a period, just as Belgium had done so.
Cullen fouls Bakayoko in midfield just as Belgium looked to click into gear. That was an important intervention from the Burnley midfielder.