Belgium v Republic of Ireland, 18th June, 2pm

[JJ1532]

Well, both these teams will be disappointed with their first results at the tournament. Belgium were massively underwhelming yet again, looking like a disjointed team of individuals and struggling to find any cohesion or fluency. This is a massive game for them if they are to avoid an early exit, they simply can't afford not to win.

As for Ireland, they gave a good showing against Sweden, but have to be disappointed with how they got pegged back to only draw. Think there is more to come from them, and after watching Belgium look so lacklustre against Italy, they must fancy their chances of pinching a narrow win here. If Wales can do it, no reason why Ireland can't.

Crucial game for both teams here. All match discussion in here.

 

[Nath]

They don't get much bigger than this.

COME ON YOU BOYS IN GREEN

 

[JimJams]

Comfy win for ShLong and the boys!

 

[cufc17]

Belgium can't be that bad again, surely. I think they might have too much firepower for the Irish in this one - 2-1 Belgium.

 

[Goalmachine87]

this one is really difficult, if both teams show a similar performance like in the last game i think
it will be a win for Ireland

 

[Liam_SWFC]

Huge game for both sides, Belgium could really do with the win in this one after a poor display against Italy. Ireland are in the same boat but the expectation is slightly less on their side, a draw with Sweden in their first game wasn't too bad a result and a draw here probably wouldn't be the end of the world. Think Belgium will just have too much individual talent for Ireland to deal with, 2-1 Belgium.

 

[Storzy]

That's a much more exciting Belgium starting line up than against Italy. I hope Felliani has been dropped and is not just injured.

He really shouldn't be starting alongside the likes of Hazard and De Bruyne.

 

[JimJams]

Gotta be the best lineup you could pick for Belgium offensively. Trouble ahead.

 

[JJ1532]

Apologising for the pitch side microphones picking up players swearing. Dear me.

 

[JimJams]

What a fuckup. Good opportunity.

 

[JimJams]

Looks like it's just a matter of time for Belgium.

 

[JJ1532]

If Ireland had any sort of composure when they get the ball in the Belgian half, they might have had 2-3 great opportunities. Can't keep shitting themselves every time they get within 40 yards of the Belgian goal.

 

[AFCB_Mark]

Ireland well in the game here, had some great openings. That Hendricks chance to slide Long(?) through was such a waste. How much time did he want?

Always a worry when Belgium break.

 

[JJ1532]

Well that was funny and stupid in equal measure from Jeff Hendrick.

 

[mchilds]

LOL. Two balls in the field.

 

[JJ1532]

Man, Ireland done on the break. Great finish from Lukaku mind.

 

[JimJams]

You absolutely knew there that after the pen call for the high foot that Belgium would score straight down the other end.

 

[Storzy]

Good finish, it's been the first time Belgium have managed to find Lukaku in space.

 

[mchilds]

Wonderfull goal. It was just a matter of time Belgium made a goal. They have been dominating much of the first half even without a goal.

 

[JimJams]

Townsend is so fucking thick. It's quite clear Vermaelens yellow was for him kicking the ball away not the foul.

 

[JJ1532]

I hate footballers. Belgium players play on with their player down, as soon as Ireland get possession, they cry and whinge for the Ireland players to put the ball out. Hate that cheating aspect of the game.

 

[Storzy]

Counter attacks aside, this Belguim team really don't have much movement about them do they? Everyone is so static.

A lot of talent in the team but they need to make more of an effort to pull this Ireland defence apart.

 

[Veggie Legs]

Game over now.

 

[Storzy]

There you go, a midfielder making a run into the box and it's 2-0.

 

[JimJams]

Just have to beat Italy then..

 

[JJ1532]

Don't get me wrong, Belgium have been far better today, look way more balanced.

But Ireland have been utterly woeful. Absolutely no quality in the final 3rd, didn't even show much attacking intent until they went 1-0 down. Given the positive performances the other home nations have put in, they've been pretty poor for the most part and look like they are going out with a whimper.

 

[mchilds]

They should just end the game now. Belgium has already won. I don't see any chance for Ireland to win this one.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

Well Belgium have taken complete control of this now, Ireland have been poor going forward always picking the wrong option and Belgium have the quality to punish you. Great 1st goal but the 2nd is avoidable Witsel needs tracking far better than that, made it too easy for them.

 

[Nilsson]

Alderweireld (or was it Vermaelen?) couldn't have had any complaints had the ref sent him off and given Ireland a penalty for that high foot in the box just before Lukaku scored.

Belgium have been the far superior side though.

 

[JJ1532]

Clark is such a poor defender. Is he really one of the best 2 CBs available to Ireland right now?