International Friendly: Ireland Take on the Top Dogs

Republic of Ireland vs Belgium

International week is on us folks and some of the world’s top teams are vying for a place at Qatar 2022.

But for those already with a ticket to the greatest show, it’s a chance to fine tune and the International Friendly between Ireland and Belgium is the pick of the warm-up games on Saturday.

Belgium qualified for the finals at a canter, coasting through Group E with six wins and two draws but the Republic of Ireland’s race is already run.

The Greens were never in contention in a tough Group A headed up by a strong Serbia and 2016 European Champions Portugal. The Red Devils are the top-ranked team on the planet and have been for some time, while the Republic of Ireland are down in 49^th place according to FIFA.

The pre-match International Friendly 2022 betting odds recognise that, installing Belgium as strong favourites when they step out at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. 

Talking Points

Chance for Belgium’s squad players 

While Belgium are ranked as FIFA’s top nation, they are still to win a major tournament. And with a golden generation which has boasted the talent of players like Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, and Thibaut Courtois, that is a constant source of frustration for the Belgians and their head coach Roberto Martinez.

So the boss is taking the opportunity in this friendly and the upcoming match against African nation Burkina Faso to give some fringe players a chance to make the International Friendly 2022 highlights.

The Belgian FA announced a few months ago that no players with 50 or more international caps would be selected for these friendlies.

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola will be particularly supportive of the Red Devils policy as he needs De Bruyne to be fit and injury-free for an exciting Premier league run-in. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have two players afforded a rest by this forward thinking policy in keeper Courtois and attacking midfielder Hazard.

But Eden’s brother Thorgan Hazard should make an appearance and the Borussia Dormund man has 41 caps to his name and he’ll be one of the stars on show.      

Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans has 47 caps and he will also feature and Ireland will know all about his fast feet, passing range, and shooting ability.

Wolves defencive midfielder Leander Dendoncker is also in line for a start while Liverpool striker Divock Origi, who could get more game time at Anfield as his club fights on four fronts, is the likely replacement for Lukaku to lead the line up front.

Kenny kicking on for Ireland

Ireland head coach Stephen Kenny has just signed a new contract which takes him up to the 2024 European Championships. His contract was due to expire this summer, but a big improvement in Ireland’s form has seen him and his backroom staff rewarded with an extended deal.

They have lost just once in 10 games after the new man started with a winless streak of 11, and Kenny now has the chance to continue his progress.  

He has some experienced Premier League players to call on. Skipper Seamus Coleman is in a relegation battle with his domestic club Everton and since his return from injury, he has been at his influential best.

Alongside Coleman, Spurs’ wing-back Matt Doherty is enjoying a good run in Tottenham’s charge in the top four race. Meanwhile, Burnley’s gifted 20-year-old centre- back Nathan Collins could pick up his second cap.   

History

These two teams have previously met three times with Belgium winning once and the other two encounters being drawn. They came together at Euro 2016 in a strong Group containing Italy and Sweden and the Red Devils picked up their first win of the tournament with a 3-0 victory.

Lukaku scored a brace and his goals were assisted by De Bruyne and Eden Hazard. Seamus Coleman and Jeff Hendrick appeared for Ireland and they could both be lining up again on Saturday.   

The other two clashes were back in the 1980s before most, in not all, of the current crop of Ireland and Belgium players were born.   

Ireland’s recent form is the stronger with three wins and three draws from the last six games while Belgium have won three, drawn one, and lost two – which were consecutive Nations League defeats to two other European powerhouses France and Italy. 

Betting Tip

Belgium’s second-stringers are strong favourites to win this game here at SBOTOP at odds of 1.52 with the draw at 3.50 and an Irish win priced at 6.19. Martinez’ young guns will see plenty of the ball but Ireland have been a tough nut to crack under Kenny and this won’t be a walkover.

 

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