Republic of Ireland vs Belgium

Republic of Ireland and Belgium are set to lock horns at the Aviva Stadium in their first encounter since a 2-2 draw in March 2022.

Missing out on Euro 2024 was the final straw to break the camel’s back as Ireland sacked long-serving boss Stephen Kenny and appointed ex-Manchester United defender John O’Shea as an interim manager last month. With the three debutants being handed their first senior call-ups by O’Shea and the squad morally devastated after a wasteful six-game run (W1, D1, L4), Ireland’s bid to land their first-ever win against Belgium looks highly improbable (D6, L3). With their only victories across their last nine internationals (D1, L6) coming against minnows Gibraltar, O’Shea’s optimism is in short supply, not least because the Boys in Green head into this match-up on a three-game winless streak on home turf (D1, L2).

In contrast to Ireland’s miserable fortunes, Belgium will travel in high spirits after stitching together an 11-game unbeaten run (W8, D3), increasing the likelihood of protecting their undefeated H2H record in Dublin. Head coach Domenico Tedesco, who replaced Roberto Martinez in the dugout following Belgium’s 2022 World Cup exit, has yet to lose a game in charge, capping off an inspiring Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a 5-0 demolition of Azerbaijan. Based on De Rode Duivels’ impressive run of not losing a friendly in eight years (W11, D8) fuels Tedesco’s enthusiasm as he looks to lead his team to a third consecutive victory for the second time. Even without Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne, the visitors are a formidable opposition, especially on the road, where they’ve won their last five fixtures.