The Republic of Ireland missed the chance to hand over interim manager John O’Shea to Belgium when Evan Ferguson missed a penalty.
The Brighton striker, who has failed to score in 20 international appearances for the club, had his first-half penalty saved by Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Mats Sayles to secure the win at a blustery Aviva Stadium. The friendly match that took place ended in a goalless draw.
Belgium dominated possession but Ireland created the better chances, with debutant Sammie Szmodics going close on more than one occasion.
If O’Shea remains in charge of Tuesday’s friendly against Switzerland, he will not be disappointed with his players’ organization and effort.
Former Ireland manager Stephen Kenny wanted his young side to play a broad style of football, but their efforts failed to bear fruit – they won just six of his 29 competitive games in charge.
O’Shea did what Kenny’s most recent predecessor had also attempted, making his side difficult to beat as a first-order, relying on Ferguson’s physicality and Chidozi Ogbene’s pace to keep them on the pitch. go ahead.
Ireland’s backline looked less vulnerable in this game and created a series of chances that could have seen them win the game against a team ranked fourth in the FIFA World Rankings, despite losing Many superstars.
“We were pleased with our performance against a good team,” Ireland midfielder Josh Cullen told Virgin Media. “For the first time, there are new ideas and I’m happy with what we achieved in the game. There are areas for improvement, we need to be more clinical. When we play like this, we need to win games.”
In-form Blackburn forward Smodic almost got his side off to an early start with three minutes left, when Cullen crossed the ball into his path after Ferguson caused problems for defender Walter Faith. He in turn passed the ball to Ogbene. Go chase. Ogbene ran out and forced Sayles, but eventually his left-footed shot hit the side netting.
Belgium started their passing game with 19-year-old Atletico Madrid midfielder Arthur Vermeeren at their core, but Ireland settled into a 5-4-1 formation without the ball and Vacancies are few and far between.
However, when Dara O’Shea tried to help Nathan Collins tip the ball into the danger area, Vermeeren was ruled to have possession and O’Shea )’s team had a golden opportunity to take the lead, with referee Rohit Saggi pointing out the position. Ferguson stepped up after a long wait, but slipped when touching the ball. Sales saved the penalty kick with his legs in the 28th minute.
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Ogbene’s right-footed shot seconds later and Ireland were closing in again in the final minute of the half when Ferguson climbed high to beat keeper Cowichan Kelleher’s long clearance, which Smodic Blocked full-back Timothy Castagne and fired over. .
Seamus Coleman’s task became tighter after the restart when Belgium sent on Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku in place of Leandro Trossard, but the hosts equalized within seconds Got the score.
Ferguson again towered over the visitors’ defense to collect Robbie Brady’s tempting cross from six yards out, but he could not keep his powerful header alive.
Kelleher, who was favored over Gavin Bazunu, needed two tries to win Loïs Openda’s shot in the 50th minute, but his counterpart Serre Si was delighted to see Brady’s free-kick sail over the crossbar in a whirlwind four minutes later.
In the 67th minute, as Ireland continued to press, Smodic’s shot was blocked by Amadou Onana, but substitute Dodi Lukebakio fired in from the right. Kelleher made a fine save to keep out Thomas Meunier’s shot after breaking down the road and pulling the ball back within one. time.
Doku’s right-footed shot went slightly wide, and Openda’s optimistic penalty request was rejected after a collision with Kelleher, and the game ended in a draw.
