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

**Razors left peg** · 26/03/2022, 5:59 PM

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** · 26/03/2022, 6:03 PM

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** · 26/03/2022, 6:11 PM

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** · 26/03/2022, 6:15 PM

Originally Posted by geysir

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** · 26/03/2022, 6:18 PM

Originally Posted by Razors left peg

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** · 26/03/2022, 6:24 PM

Originally Posted by jbyrne

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** · 26/03/2022, 6:35 PM

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** · 26/03/2022, 6:55 PM

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** · 26/03/2022, 7:22 PM

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** · 26/03/2022, 7:24 PM

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** · 26/03/2022, 7:26 PM

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** · 26/03/2022, 7:32 PM

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** · 26/03/2022, 7:33 PM

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** · 26/03/2022, 7:39 PM

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** · 26/03/2022, 9:42 PM

Originally Posted by SkStu

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** · 26/03/2022, 9:59 PM

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

**Diggs246** · 26/03/2022, 10:08 PM

We were excellent today
No one can argue that

**Eminence Grise** · 26/03/2022, 10:26 PM

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** · 26/03/2022, 10:40 PM

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

**geysir** · 26/03/2022, 10:43 PM

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.