Alan Browne scored a late equalizer to help the Republic of Ireland produce one of the close football scores of the weekend in a friendly. The number one side in the world opened the scoring in the 12th minute through Michy Batshuayi before Chiedozie Ogbene equalized in the 35th minute. Belgium once again took the lead through Hans Vanaken in the 58th minute before Browne equalized in the 85th minute.
Managers Reaction
Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny said: “No. I knew he would be a real treat for us and that he had great attributes, but it was a spectacular start. To score three goals in two qualifiers and then a big game against the world’s number one team. Apart from his goals, he gives us so much at the moment. We ask some of the players to elevate their performances above their club form because that’s what we need to do. If we’re going to be competing with Belgium or Portugal or Serbia or any of those teams, we need our players to elevate their performances above what they can do even for their clubs playing for Ireland.”
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez was disappointed by the goals his side conceded but bristled at the suggestion they were “normal” without the big names he did not take to Dublin. No, I think that is a bit unfair. First and foremost, you need to understand that in March, we’ve got a friendly camp because we have qualified for the World Cup, so these are bonus games. We could have played with our starting XI, absolutely, and we would have learned nothing. Today is very, very important for us that now we have got a pool of players – let’s say we’ve got around 25 players – that we need to choose for those final 10, 11 positions for the World Cup and that was the meaning.”
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