Ireland-Belgium is a friendly and is played Saturday at 6 p.m.: news, stats, likely lineups, predictions, live TV and streaming.
The chances of qualifying directly, in a group with two battleships such as France and the Netherlands inside it, were slim. From Ireland, however, something more was expected: that it would at least hold its own against Greece, for example. And instead the Hellenes “doubled” in terms of points won the Boys in Green, who finished second to last in the Euro 2024 qualifying round and with a paltry haul of two wins (both with lowly Gibraltar) and six defeats.
A disappointing path that immediately cut off Ireland, which was also deprived of the “parachute” of the play-offs due to its less than thrilling results in the last Nations League. Inevitable at this point was the exoneration of former technical commissioner Stephen Kenny, who was temporarily replaced by interim coach John O’Shea. Between now and next June, Ireland will play four friendly matches: the first one is with Domenico Tedesco’s Belgium, which, on the other hand, already has a pass for the European Championship in Germany in its pocket. Qualification was never really in question for the Red Devils, who appeared regenerated by the arrival of the Calabrian-born coach, who has just returned from bittersweet experiences with Schalke 04 and Leipzig. Belgium finished the group on 20 points and undefeated (six wins and two draws), fending off the onslaught of Ralf Rangnick’s Austria, which finished second at -1.
Lucky as well was the European Championship group draw: Belgium happened upon two selections as within reach as Slovakia and Romania, plus the winner of the League B playoffs. In Ireland, however, Tedesco will have to do without Lukaku, struggling with a groin strain. Also absent is the other star, De Bruyne.
The Prediction
Without Lukaku and De Bruyne, things may not go smoothly for Belgium in the tricky Irish trip. Guests favored, but conceding at least one goal cannot be ruled out.
Ireland-Belgium likely lineups
IRLAND (3-4-2-1): Kelleher; O’Brien, Collins, O’Shea; Ebosele, Cullen, Knight, Doherty; Ogbene, Johnston; Ferguson.
BELGIUM (4-2-3-1): Sels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Tielemans, Mangala; Bakayoko, Trossard, Doku; Openda.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2
