Belgium vs Ireland - preview

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- Latest events

BELGIUM

·         A disappointing start for Belgium that makes every game from now on feel like a knockout game.    

·         The defense was their main problem, there wasn’t any consistency and Italy took advantage to stun Wilmots’ team.

·         They know that their opponents won’t have such a strong attack or hard to break defense, and that’s at least something to build on.  

REP.IRELAND

·         A great game from Ireland ended up in just a draw, a draw conceded in the only chance that Sweden was able to break into the tough Irish back line.   

·         They did impress, though, and if they are able to recreate what they did, they have to believe the quality of Long and Walters might create chaos in the Belgium troubled defense.     

·         With Sweden’s loss, Ireland knows that a win will almost assuredly qualify them    

- Areas to follow

BELGIUM

·         Defense

It’s still a big question why Denayer was not used against Italy, and reports suggest that Wilmots will keep his confidence in Ciman, even though the Montreal Impact player clearly wasn’t up to par. Wilmots’ choices have been questioned by his own players though, in a clear proof of trouble brewing in Belgium.

·         Midfield

If Mertens – or Carrasco, for that matter – isn’t starting this game, then Wilmots’ will again lose that dynamic that can be dizzying for any defense in the world. That’s what happened against Italy, where Belgium had a reinforced midfield, and created nothing for show.  

·         Attack

Lukaku had a frustrating game, without any support and engulfed in the middle of Italian three center backs. It will almost certainly not be that bad against Ireland, as not only his team needs to win, he has been fighting this players in recent seasons, with the known results. Origi was in right areas and might be an option, if in need.

             

REP.IRELAND

·            Defense

They did a wonderful job in trying to stop Zlatan, but they lost focus for just one moment, and were punished with a Clark own goal that was the only reason Ireland wasn’t able to win the game. O’Neill should keep faith in his soldiers, as they showed they’re ready.

·             Midfield

   To win this game, this is where Ireland will have to go the extra mile and fight harder, not allow Belgium to control possession, because if they let that happen they’ll have trouble dealing with the quick transitions that Hazard, De Bruyne and Mertens are capable of. A key battle that will help determine the winner of this game.

·             Attack

Long and his teammates will have to show composure when the chances that they will, almost guaranteed, have fall into their feet. If they can do that and be the usual presence in the beginning of the Irish defensive process, O’Neill’s team has a chance to get a result that will boost their chances of surviving the group of death.

- FIL’S VERDICT

The Republic of Ireland will have been fuming to draw their opening game with Sweden but encouraged by a fine performance. Belgium, after their lacklustre display in defeat to Italy, are simply fuming.

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois criticised head coach Marc Wilmots in a post-match interview, saying Italy had "tactically outclassed us." Midfielder Radja Nainggolan was caught gesturing behind his coach's back after being substituted. Both men were spoken to by Wilmots on their journey back to the northern Bordeaux training base.

Like Wilmots, Republic of Ireland defender Ciaran Clark has found himself under the spotlight after own goal against Sweden last Monday. Yet unlike their rivals, there has been a united front in support of their man in focus.

           FIL’S PREDICTION

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