Dublin –
The trial duel is over Republic of Ireland vs Belgium. No goals were scored during the 90 minutes of the match.
In the match at the Aviva Stadium, Sunday (24/3/2024) early morning WIB, Belgium did not field Romelu Lukaku and Jeremie Doku from the start. Kevin De Bruyne is absent due to injury.
Ireland, who made their debut with new coach John O’Shea, played aggressively from the early minutes several times endangering the Belgian goal guarded by Matz Sels. In the third minute, Chiedozie Ogbonna had a chance to put Ireland ahead when he made a solo run into the penalty box.
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Only facing the Belgian goalkeeper, Ogbonna’s shot went wide. Belgium hit back in the 11th minute when captain Youri Tielemans met Leandro Trossard’s cross with his head, but the ball went sideways.
In the 27th minute, Ireland received a penalty after Dara O’Shea’s shot hit Arthur Vermeeren’s hand. Evan Ferguson as the executor failed to carry out his duties after the ball was pushed over by Sels.
Evan Ferguson’s penalty failed to break into the Belgian goal. (Photo: REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne)
Sammie Szmodics had a chance at the end of the first half after receiving a pass from Ferguson’s header, even though the ball was still flying. The 0-0 score lasted until halftime.
Entering the second half, Belgium almost scored a goal in the 50th minute if Kelleher had not been quick to parry Lois Openda’s shot in the penalty box.
Seven minutes later, Ferguson wasted another opportunity when he headed in a cross from close range, which still flew over the bar.
Neither team created many chances in the second half. In the 75th minute, Belgium got a chance from a counter-attack which ended with Dodi Lukebakio’s cross on the right.
Thomas Meunier was free in the penalty box to meet the ball with his right foot, but Kelleher swiftly pushed it aside. No goals were scored so the match ended 0-0.
Belgium will face England at Wembley, Wednesday (27/3) early morning WIB, while Ireland meets Switzerland on the same day.
(mrp/pur)