It was almost the perfect night for John O'Shea as Ireland were a spot-kick away from beating Belgium at the Aviva Stadium.
It was almost the perfect night for John O'Shea as Ireland were a spot-kick away from beating Belgium at the Aviva Stadium.
For all Belgium’s style and stature, they rarely threatened, with their big chance coming 15 minutes before the end as Caoimhin Kelleher was forced to make a fine stop from substitute Thomas Meunier. That strong first-half performance forced Belgium into a rethink at the break as they threw on three substitutes in order to play a more aggressive attacking line, as Youri Tielemens and Leandro Trossard had looked to play from deep in the first half, with little success.
"That they have that experience around them to keep playing, to keep pushing them. It was never going to be an issue for me as I know the type of people and players they are. The Blackburn man also worked tirelessly back when out of possession and while he could not mark his debut with a goal, he will no doubt be very pleased with his overall contribution before bowing out in the 70th minute.
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