March 23, (THEWILL)- The Republic of Ireland held firm to earn a credible 0-0 draw against Belgium in a friendly international at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday.
Despite Evan Ferguson’s first-half penalty miss, John O’Shea’s side produced a resilient defensive display to extend Belgium’s winless run to three matches.
Ireland carved out the game’s first clear chance when debutant Sammie Szmodics slipped Chiedozie Ogbene through on goal, but the Luton winger fired into the side netting.
Ferguson then spurned a golden opportunity from the penalty spot after Arthur Vermeeren handled in the area, with Matz Sels making a strong save.
Interim boss O’Shea’s men came flying out of the blocks after the break and Ferguson went close with a headed effort within 10 seconds of the restart.
Belgium brought on Jeremy Doku at half-time but struggled to create clear openings, with Loïs Openda and Thomas Meunier forcing routine saves from CaoimhÃn Kelleher.
Neither side could find a late winner as Ireland became the first team to keep a clean sheet against Belgium since Croatia at the 2022 World Cup.
The result extends Belgium’s unbeaten run to 12 games while providing encouragement for O’Shea ahead of Ireland’s friendly against Switzerland on Tuesday.
Belgium, meanwhile, head to Wembley to face England in their next fixture under Domenico Tedesco, with questions remaining over their attacking output against defensively resolute opposition.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
