Republic of Ireland V Belgium - Saturday, 26th March 2022 - Friendly

[joey B]

Great goal,Ogbene did so well again and a super header!

[SkStu]

The play is light years ahead of what we were playing under O Neill and Mc Carthy, and anyone who doesn't accept that may as well stop watching ball..

I’m going to call it. There will be probably a few posters on here who’ll have been disappointed we equalized and generally played such good stuff.

[passinginterest]

Have to be pleased enough with that. It was looking bleak after 30 minutes but from the on we were the better team and the score line showed it. Kelleher has a very quiet night again. Most disappointing thing was conceding from a corner and defending it so badly.

[pineapple stu]

I’m going to call it. There will be probably a few posters on here who’ll have been disappointed we equalized and generally played such good stuff.

Anthony Barry has brought Belgium to new heights anyway!

[SkStu]

Anthony Barry has brought Belgium to new heights anyway!

This legitimately made me laugh a bit.

[osarusan]

Decent start to the second half, could have been ahead from when they played themselves into trouble, or from that super Hendrick pass. Belgium were lucky to go ahead when they did, although the defending was woeful.

After that we were game, but had run out of ideas up front, and Ogbene and Robinson weren't really in the game and Belgium were happy to see it out.

But great to see Ogbene work so hard and get the reward.

Yes, it's a friendly, and yes, it's a Belgium side missing so many of their best players, but player for player today they are still well ahead, so a draw is always a sign that the team played well.

[Insidetherock]

Another building block.. and fantastic crowd.. games/results like this will make the crowd fall in love with the team..

Pity the Nations League is going to be put on hold with the Ukraine/Scotland playoff surely happening then now instead of the NL games..

Both would have been sell outs I reckon with great opportunities for the fans to really get behind the team again

[Insidetherock]

Decent start to the second half, could have been ahead from when they played themselves into trouble, or from that super Hendrick pass. Belgium were lucky to go ahead when they did, although the defending was woeful.

After that were we game, but had run out of ideas up front, and Ogbene and Robinson weren't really in the game and Belgium were happy to see it out.

But great to see Ogbene work so hard and get the reward.

Yes, it's a friendly, and yes, it's a Belgium side missing so many of their best players, but player for player today they are still well ahead, so a draw is always a sign that the team played well.

Absolutely right.. that Belgian team would still beat most teams in Europe

[joey B]

Decent result that,played well in parts…

[pineapple stu]

Pity the Nations League is going to be put on hold with the Ukraine/Scotland playoff surely happening then now instead of the NL games..
I think that might actually suit us (albeit the war which caused it is horrible of course)

Four games in one window would have been quite tough; I don't think we have the squad depth for that, especially in attacking positions.

Instead, three games (Armenia being second up) would be handier, though we'll obviously have to fit the postponed game in somewhere

[Razors left peg]

We played well. The thing that is most striking is that we have become very enjoyable to watch. There is a joy to the team

[nigel-harps1954]

Result aside, I think that was a really positive performance. Completed 310 of 369 attempted passes, very assured when in possession, comfortable largely in defence, restricted Belgium to a couple of chances. Able to mix it up between possession and long ball when needed.

It's already been said, but that Belgium team would still be a comfortable top 20 European side. Quality all through their squad, and a League One player wins man of the match, and deservedly so.

Disappointing to concede two goals from the only two real chances Belgium had. Also disappointed to concede from a set piece.

But overall, I think that was very positive.

[geysir]

It was a good performance against a good team, though if only I got a penny for every time 'world's nr 1' was mentioned.
I can't understand the selection of McClean at this stage. That alone has me worried about the wisdom of Kenny.

[Razors left peg]

I can't understand the selection of McClean at this stage. That alone has me worried about the wisdom of Kenny.

He makes some decisions that make me raise an eyebrow, like bringing on Browne. But the players play for him

[jbyrne]

He makes some decisions that make me raise an eyebrow, like bringing on Browne. But the players play for him

the browne that got a lovely equaliser?
thought mcclean did quite well. his final ball couldve been better though

[Razors left peg]

the browne that got a lovely equaliser?
thought mcclean did quite well. his final ball couldve been better though
Exactly my point. I thought he was wrong on the sub and he was proved right.... I like that the international manager makes better choices than me LOL

[pineapple stu]

Would be great to work out what happened around the 30 minute mark. We were being utterly and comfortably outplayed, but then something just clicked. You'd love to start a match at the clicking stage!

Presume there's going to be a few changes in Tuesday. Lithuania are fairly poor these days - they beat San Marino 2-1 last night - so think we can bring in, say, Keane/Collins/maybe Manning (be nice to try options at left-back) and still get a good performance and a couple of goals.

[backstothewall]

I'm here to admit that I was wrong.

There was a point when I thought Kenny was a beaten docket. Not sure of I ever called for his head, but I definitely thought it.

I've not been as excited about an Irish side since the 2000s.

[Jd2793]

what kind of team are people thinking ?
i'd like to see parrott start and judging by the pecking order of subs keane and browne will be in aswell.
drop coleman and duffy, keep egan in there wit oshea and collins.

CK
O'Shea Collins Egan
doherty molumby ? manning
browne
parrott keane

[Razors left peg]

I don't want to see too many changes to start. Keep the momentum going and make changes in last half hour if we are comfortable

[Jd2793]

i see no advantage of starting coleman duffy or mcclean we know what these lads will give to us. the 2 cbs had poor showings imo and manning has to get a start at some point. wouldnt be against keeping things the same from midfield up with maybe the exception of knight who underwhelmed.

[Eirambler]

Maybe something like this against Lithuania:

Kelleher
Collins Duffy Egan
Doherty Cullen Browne Manning
Ogbene Knight
Keane

Keep the core of tonight's team but maybe three or four changes to the starting team. Them maybe introduce a few more later on in the game depending on how it's going.

[da bishop]

Good team performance.Passed the ball well when we had it and good shape when we didnt,contary to some opinions thought McClean did well ,final ball can be improved but his workrate up and down the pitch important in that system.

[Nesta99]

Its also still a work in progress. Considering there was almost 2 years of major of pandemic disruption to squads that were undergoing a major overhaul in personnel and footballing philosophy, no crowds, the disappointment of that penalty shootout, regular comments on the manager not being up to it due to his CV and the pressure that went with it, the ridiculous furore over a motivational video, coach changes etc etc. Well not to shabby at all considering. It wasnt a full strength Belgium but it was a quality side prepping for a genuine attempt at winning the WC. You can see the phases of play coming together that were disjointed a year or so ago. The players look more comfortable on the ball and passing out from the back isnt all heart in mouth stuff. We were missing a few lads ourselves too. The marking for the Belgium 2nd was criminal but the sort of thing that can be fixed. Players look to be enjoying things rather than being terrified of the ball and getting rid of it aimlessly. There's variation between the short game and long ball, pressing high is structured with serious graft being put in. We also played through the middle plenty rather than always pushing it wide in case possession is lost which is a sign of growing confidence and trust in the system. We need to reproduce this competitively now and consistently. It wouldnt be a surprise imo to see us moving toward the top 20 in due course.

[TonyD]

I’m going to call it. There will be probably a few posters on here who’ll have been disappointed we equalized and generally played such good stuff.

I can certainly think of one !

Ogbene is certainly becoming a star of this team. Fantastic character too. Great attitude.

[Razors left peg]

Yes, the anti Kenny brigade are very quiet on here this evening. The progress is undeniable...
Even without the supposed messiah Barry

[Diggs246]

We were excellent today
No one can argue that

[Eminence Grise]

Oh, I dare say someone will try... Still, four hours and then some and no sign of the doom merchants.

Maybe, after all, the Belgians poached the wrong person from the Irish set-up.

Good result, some good play and Ogbene is fast becoming the poster boy of the new era. Sets us up for - hope I'm not tempting fate - a good result on Tuesday.

[ontheotherhand]

To be fair we still haven't seen how this Irish team looks without Barry on the sidelines.

[geysir]

Up to this coming campaign I had absolutely no issues with McClean being around the squad, but a winger is of little use without a final ball, if a final ball did end up sorta right out there it was by accident, he's way off his own levels of a few years ago and is not a player for the euro qualifiers. This was a serious friendly, a chance for players like Ogbene to stand out against very decent opposition. I seriously doubt there is one person here who would pick McClean in the first 11 for the nations league game never mind the Euro qualifiers. If he has a place in the squad, it's from nr.18 - 23.

[Insidetherock]

I can certainly think of one !

Ogbene is certainly becoming a star of this team. Fantastic character too. Great attitude.

Ogbene is one if those players, that makes you scratch your head and wonder, how did this guy make it to international level.. but yet looks this biz at it

Great attitude

[ontheotherhand]

When you're trying to bring young players through I'd argue that having someone like McClean who puts everything into every game isn't a bad thing. I'm not his biggest fan but he's useful in ways that are maybe underappreciated at times.

[elatedscum]

Why are these ratings on RTE always so terrible? Giving Knight and Cullen both 5s. It’s just always so terrible from the two or three lads who write them for rte. Like we get beaten by Luxembourg and it’s all 6s and 7s and we put in a performance like tonight and only 3 of the starting 11 are more than a 6.

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2022/0326/1288609-player-ratings-ogbene-and-robinson-lead-from-the-front/

I’ll tell ya, the changes made during Ryle Nugent’s time, the people let go and the people hired, so much mediocrity (at best) from the national broadcaster.

[BOOMSHAKALAKA]

The hype train has upped a gear after yesterday! Nice to get a draw against Belgium but for them it was a meaningless friendly while we were treating the game like a qualifier. Hopefully more players will get a run out against Lithuania. The game reminds me of the reaction after beating Italy in a friendly under Trapatoni. We won 2-0 but when we next met them in a competitive game, they brushed us aside.

We need to build on this and improve for competitive games. Ogbene is causing trouble with his pace, it would be nice to have Obafemi available also. Would like to see Parott get more minutes against Lithuania. They're a very poor team. Onwards and upwards.

BOOMSHAKALAKA!!!!

[Diggs246]

The hype train has upped a gear after yesterday! Nice to get a draw against Belgium but for them it was a meaningless friendly while we were treating the game like a qualifier. Hopefully more players will get a run out against Lithuania. The game reminds me of the reaction after beating Italy in a friendly under Trapatoni. We won 2-0 but when we next met them in a competitive game, they brushed us aside.

We need to build on this and improve for competitive games. Ogbene is causing trouble with his pace, it would be nice to have Obafemi available also. Would like to see Parott get more minutes against Lithuania. They're a very poor team. Onwards and upwards.

BOOMSHAKALAKA!!!!

What competitive game did Italy brush us aside?!

[Diggs246]

What competitive game did Italy brush us aside?!

Actually forgot about poznan euro 2012

[Nesta99]

It was a worry when McGoldrick retired from the international game. His ability to play as a lone striker was key to how SK would set up. But in Ogbene now we have an even more mobile player, more pace and is a physical presence and grafts. He also has goals in him which McGoldrick lacked albeit he was important for more than just goals. There could be some healthy competition between the lads that will run the line. Someone mentioned above about delay in bringing on subs, that
seems to be a Kenny quirk as even at club level he seemed reluctant to change players early even if they were having a stinker. Plenty of rotation would be good next game.

I dont think people are losing the run of themselves over one result, but it cannot be denied that there has been a consistent trend of improvement especially in not looking terrified when playing out from the back while being pressured.

[paul_oshea]

Ogbene is one if those players, that makes you scratch your head and wonder, how did this guy make it to international level.. but yet looks this biz at it

Great attitude

I think he'll be one of those that hits the ceiling at club level fairly quickly but for Ireland on a more irregular basis in terms of only a few games a year he'll keep turning in good performances for us

[TonyD]

To be fair we still haven't seen how this Irish team looks without Barry on the sidelines.

:D:D He must have nipped over to have a quiet word on the half hour mark.

[TonyD]

The hype train has upped a gear after yesterday! Nice to get a draw against Belgium but for them it was a meaningless friendly while we were treating the game like a qualifier. Hopefully more players will get a run out against Lithuania. The game reminds me of the reaction after beating Italy in a friendly under Trapatoni. We won 2-0 but when we next met them in a competitive game, they brushed us aside.

We need to build on this and improve for competitive games. Ogbene is causing trouble with his pace, it would be nice to have Obafemi available also. Would like to see Parott get more minutes against Lithuania. They're a very poor team. Onwards and upwards.

BOOMSHAKALAKA!!!!

Would rather be on the hype train than the negativity express tbh.

Undoubtedly it wasn’t Belgium’s first team, or anything like it yesterday, but still a lot of good players. No one is saying the Irish team are world beaters, but the improvement in performances is thee for everyone to see. Your persistent refusal to give Stephen Kenny any sort of credit just looks extremely churlish at this stage. Now that Anthony Barry is gone, what’s your next position ? I suppose the new coach is actually running the team as well ? Don’t worry though, I’m sure we’ll get another poor result at some stage, and you can resume normal service.

[jbyrne]

The game reminds me of the reaction after beating Italy in a friendly under Trapatoni. We won 2-0 but when we next met them in a competitive game, they brushed us aside.


wasnt that 2 0 win with a very understrength irish team?
wasnt it also part of a three game run against italy were we drew with them twice in wc qualifiers when they were wc champions?

yes, our euro 2012 finals campaign was poor but italy went onto the final.

[John83]

Why are these ratings on RTE always so terrible? Giving Knight and Cullen both 5s. It’s just always so terrible from the two or three lads who write them for rte. Like we get beaten by Luxembourg and it’s all 6s and 7s and we put in a performance like tonight and only 3 of the starting 11 are more than a 6.

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2022/0326/1288609-player-ratings-ogbene-and-robinson-lead-from-the-front/

I’ll tell ya, the changes made during Ryle Nugent’s time, the people let go and the people hired, so much mediocrity (at best) from the national broadcaster.
How do people generally rate Cullen's game against Belgium? I'm curious because I didn't get to watch the match.

It's a little worry that Coleman seems to be off the boil at an age where that might be permanent decline. There's plenty of experience in the back line though, and if Collins or O'Shea start in the second friendly, so much the better. It'd be good to take a look at longer term alternatives to Christie as Doherty's undestudy at right wing-back, though it's not urgent.

I'm glad to see Ogbene doing well. I liked the look of him from his debut: I especially like the positions he takes up. I feel like he might be a serious contender for that right forward spot, though left forward is still very much up for grabs. Maybe Ronan gets a shot there in the second friendly.

[Olé Olé]

Did anyone read the interview with Mark Sykes father in the Indo yesterday? I was at the game and hoping he'd come on. His back story is utterly incredible.

I knew his father was present at the Sean Graham shooting in 1992 and was shot. I did not know he was shot 5 or 6 times. I also did not know that his mother's brother was killed at the age of 18 at the same shooting.

On top of all of that, I did not know he will be the first Belfast lad to play for Ireland in 76 years if and when he plays on Tuesday.

I hope he doesn't start so that he has to come on for a rip roaring reception.

[Stuttgart88]

I really enjoyed that and watching Ireland is a rewarding experience these days. From 5-30 minutes was poor but the rest, once we found our mojo, we were very good. I love how we look to work the ball in tight spaces and draw the opposition press. Cullen is so brave receiving the ball. I love what he brings to the team. Ogbene and Knight too. Hendrick is finally being used properly and he had a fine game, not for the first time lately. Egan was immense - I’d say he’s now CL quality - and Doc’s quality became increasingly evident as the game went on.

Not only are we scoring goals again, we’re scoring good goals. It’s pretty much what I expect these days, which is some leap from a year ago and even a few years before that too. I no longer sh1t myself when we mess about with it at the back. That’s clear progress!

I’d like to see a few fresh faces on Tuesday and a good dynamic front foot performance.

[Stuttgart88]

Exactly my point. I thought he was wrong on the sub and he was proved right.... I like that the international manager makes better choices than me LOL
Same. Browne was the last player I’d have brought on!

[mark12345]

Ogbene is one if those players, that makes you scratch your head and wonder, how did this guy make it to international level.. but yet looks this biz at it

Great attitude

Great attitude for sure. And to be honest great attitude and persistence from Robinson for the first goal and Ogbene for the second. There is a determination about this team that hasn't been there in quite a few years.

[mark12345]

Agree with this completely. Coleman has nothing to prove anymore and we know what we get with him. Fantastic servant but he is on the decline now. James McClean is in a similar situation. Would love to see O'Shea and Collins start on Tuesday.

[mark12345]

Would rather be on the hype train than the negativity express tbh.

Undoubtedly it wasn’t Belgium’s first team, or anything like it yesterday, but still a lot of good players. No one is saying the Irish team are world beaters, but the improvement in performances is thee for everyone to see. Your persistent refusal to give Stephen Kenny any sort of credit just looks extremely churlish at this stage. Now that Anthony Barry is gone, what’s your next position ? I suppose the new coach is actually running the team as well ? Don’t worry though, I’m sure we’ll get another poor result at some stage, and you can resume normal service.

Two factors point towards Kenny's growing influence on the Irish team.
(a) he mentioned in press conference yesterday that "We're not having that," in reference to his defence sitting back and absorbing pressure. He said he wants the Irish team to 'affect' the game (in a positive manner) by putting high pressure on opponents in every area of the pitch.

(b) something I noticed in the previous game (Luxembourg) was the instructions to place three players right on the backsides of opposing defenders for their kick outs. That way the keeper has to kick it long and our big center halves are odds on to win it in the air and head the ball back towards our three advanced players. Technically superior teams hate this (I know, I played in a team that employed this tactic for years against better teams).

So Kenny does deserve a good amount of credit for changing things with quite positive results.

[elatedscum]

(b) something I noticed in the previous game (Luxembourg) was the instructions to place three players right on the backsides of opposing defenders for their kick outs. That way the keeper has to kick it long and our big center halves are odds on to win it in the air and head the ball back towards our three advanced players. Technically superior teams hate this (I know, I played in a team that employed this tactic for years against better teams).

One of the interesting things yesterday was that Belgium's two centre midfielders dropped incredibly deep from kick outs or when the keeper had possession, so they basically had a 7 v 3 (including the keeper) and were always pretty comfortable. There was a moment after we scored to make it 1-1 where Hendrick and Cullen started having the confidence to really push up at follow their two centre midfielders from a kick out. Mignolet ended up telling the side to push up and pumping it long to the Irish centre halves instead.

It was really noticeable that during that spell of dominance in the first half, Belgium always had 2 centre-halves as an out ball. Because they were so good in possession and so comfortable under pressure in the midfield, the attackers were dropping back to try press and any time it felt like we were making progress, they just play it back to a centre half and switch sides.

Also when we were attacking, Belgium were incredibly comfortable getting out of trouble, they were able to find Batsuayi and he was able to make it stick. Saying that, we were the better side for probably half the match and we created the majority of the chance. Felt like Kelleher didn't really have a save to make. Just the first goal and the Duffy blocked shot which went out for a corner, which ended up with the second goal...

Also at 1-1 in the second half, from my view in the stadium, it looked a lot like handball from the McClean cross. Dunno what the TV conclusion was...

[ontheotherhand]

How do people generally rate Cullen's game against Belgium? I'm curious because I didn't get to watch the match.

It's a little worry that Coleman seems to be off the boil at an age where that might be permanent decline. There's plenty of experience in the back line though, and if Collins or O'Shea start in the second friendly, so much the better. It'd be good to take a look at longer term alternatives to Christie as Doherty's undestudy at right wing-back, though it's not urgent.

I'm glad to see Ogbene doing well. I liked the look of him from his debut: I especially like the positions he takes up. I feel like he might be a serious contender for that right forward spot, though left forward is still very much up for grabs. Maybe Ronan gets a shot there in the second friendly.

Thought Cullen was very good again. Robinson and Ogbene are rightly getting a lot of praise but I think Cullen is equally important to how we are playing now. He's been superb. Always there to take the ball, uses it well and he can tackle as well. We haven't had a player like him for a while.