Evan Ferguson misses penalty as Ireland hold Belgium to 0-0 draw – Firstpost

Brighton striker Evan Ferguson missed a penalty as Ireland held Belgium to a 0-0 stalemate in Dublin on Saturday.

The draw means Belgium, fourth in the FIFA world rankings, extended their unbeaten run to 12 matches, a streak stretching back to the 2022 World Cup.

The visitors, without the injured Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, enjoyed most of the possession but Ireland created the best chances, with debutant Sammie Szmodics going close on several occasions.

The home side, led by interim coach John O’Shea, had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock when Atletico Madrid midfielder Arthur Vermeeren was adjudged to have manipulated the surface and referee Rohit Saggi pointed to the spot.

Ferguson, who went four months without a goal, came on after a long wait but slipped when he made contact with the ball and Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels saved the 28th-minute penalty with his legs.

Ireland’s Chiedozie Ogbene fired a right-footed shot across the face of goal seconds later and they came close again in the final minute of the half when Szmodics fired over.

Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco called on Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku to replace Leandro Trossard in the second half, but the hosts threatened again, with Ferguson heading home.

Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher needed two attempts to win a snap from Lois Openda in the 50th minute.

The home side continued to press, but it took a good save from Kelleher to push away Thomas Meunier’s goal after his compatriot Dodi Lukebakio broke free on the right and collected the ball 15 minutes from time.

Doku whistled a right-footed shot just over and Openda’s optimistic appeals for a penalty were rejected as the match ultimately ended in a draw.

Belgium face England at Wembley on Tuesday as they continue their preparations for the Euro 2024 final.

Tedesco’s men have been grouped with Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine or Iceland, who will face each other next week in the play-off final at the tournament in Germany.