Not a match to get excited about. The Red Devils disappointed in Ireland with an experimental team. At no point did the Belgians manage to cause the home team any problems. Matz Sels even had to save a penalty to avoid defeat. Then why not show something against England on Tuesday – with strong players?
National coach Tedesco took the opportunity to experiment with his team. And why not? Deman and debutant De Winter stood in an unprecedented young defense and Vermeeren was allowed to gain rhythm in midfield.
The Irish, looking for a national coach and in a transition period, started energetically and immediately created a chance after Faes lost the ball. However, Ogbene rammed into the side netting, while he should always have played the free Coleman in front of goal.
After that early warning, the Red Devils increasingly demanded the ball, but this did not pose any danger. There was far too little depth for that and the interplay was never fluid enough. Tielemans headed wide and Bakayoko rammed over, and that was it before half-time.
Then the physically impressive Ireland was much more threatening. On the half hour the ball hit the spot after questionable hand play by Vermeeren. However, Ferguson left it alone, as Sels saved his weak penalty. Then there were still chances for Ogbene and Szmodics, who were unable to punish weak defending from Deman and Castagne.
It was clear that things had to be different after the break. Tedesco threw Batshuayi, Meunier and Doku into the fight and that seemed to help. But not before Ferguson headed a wonderful cross over just after kick-off.
A few minutes later we were finally able to score the first Belgian ball between the posts. Bakayoko headed back to the pale Openda, who could not send his breakaway shot past Kelleher. What seemed like a harbinger of a Devils offensive, however, turned out to be a brief flare-up.
When Onana, strangely enough, replaced De Winter at the center back, the organization was lost for a while. However, Smallbone did not dare to strike and Szmodics was blocked. It was the best chance of the second half for the modest Irish, who fought for what they were worth.
The one for the Belgians had yet to come. Substitute Lukebakio thundered down the right flank and laid back to Meunier at the appropriate moment. He could not celebrate his return to the national team with a goal, because Kelleher tapped his place ball from the corner.
A particularly disappointing international match ended 0-0. The Red Devils’ first match in the run-up to Euro 2024 did not reassure the doubters at all. Belgium, with perhaps a stronger and more experienced team, will have to play a different role against England on Tuesday.
Tags: Experimental Red Devils disappoint Ireland happy draw
