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IRL vs BEL
Men's International Friendlies
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Ireland
vs
Belgium
0
FT
0
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 0 - 0
Thanks for joining Tribe for this coverage. I've been Sanil Karan and I will be back in about an hour for the Tunisia v. Croatia game. Stay tuned for that.
As neither team could secure a late winning goal, Ireland achieved the distinction of being the first nation to hold Belgium scoreless since Croatia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The hosts aim to maintain their defensive solidity against Switzerland on Tuesday, while Domenico Tedesco's team will face Euro 2024 favorites England at Wembley, seeking a positive result.
Unlike Ireland's forwards, Lois Openda struggled to find clear scoring chances until he managed to test Kelleher with a hooked half-volley from Bakayoko's knockdown. In the closing minutes of the match, Kelleher was called upon once more, making a crucial diving save to deny Thomas Meunier his ninth international goal.
After a disappointing first period, Domenico Tedesco shook up his Belgium team with three substitutions during halftime, one of which was Manchester City's electric forward Jeremy Doku. Yet, it was Ireland who looked brighter right after the break, immediately pressuring the Belgian defense. Within ten seconds of the restart, Robbie Brady delivered a precise cross that met the towering Ferguson's head, but unfortunately, his header sailed over the crossbar.
90+3'
Belgium continues to keep possession in the attacking third but aren't trying any forward passes. They also seem to have accepted the result.
90+1'
Belgium keeps possession outside the box until Batshuayi loses out to Collins. Then the Belgium attacker fouls him and Ireland can breathe.
+3
89'
Then Ireland win a corner on the right. Johnstone delivers it but it's cleared. Doku brings it forward off the left but once again loses out to Coleman.
87'
Vermeeren's pass forward is poor and Ebosele intercepts it. He brings it forward from the right but Faes blocks his cross.