Ireland 2 Belgium 2
A draw that can be dressed up and explained away. The unflappable Chiedozie Ogbene scored one equaliser before creating another for Alan Browne late on to maintain the upward trajectory of this Republic of Ireland team.
Goals by Michy Batshuayi, in for the rested Romelu Lukaku, and Hans Vanaken, covering the injured Eden Hazard, had initially exposed the difference between a country that has nurtured its underage talent with a distinct plan for 20 years and, well, Ireland.
But that’s not how this story goes. Ireland manager Stephen Kenny must be applauded for picking the right subs at the right time with Will Keane pipped to hero status by Browne’s power header on 85 minutes.
It felt like a winner on a night …
- March 27, 2022
