A win against Belgium 'would not have flattered us at all' says Stephen Kenny

Seán O'Connor reports from the Aviva Stadium

Goals from Chiedozie Ogbene and Alan Browne earned a well-deseverd draw, as Ireland extended their unbeaten streak to seven games againt Belgium on Saturday evening.

Ogbene’s spectacular overhead kick was his third goal in four games for Kenny’s side, whom the 24-year-old said has given the winger great confidence in recent months. Browne got the all-important equaliser with five minutes to go, his first Ireland goal since scoring away in Serbia twelve months ago.

Under previous managers, the visit of the world’s best ranked side would have instilled fear and anxiety into the Irish team and its supporters, but the 48,000 in the Aviva witnessed a new Ireland side on Saturday evening. Having been predictably under the cosh for spells, Kenny’s side found their groove after 30 minutes  and put together slick eye-catching moves across the pitch.

Jeff Hendrick, Kenny’s most used midfielder played in holding midfield alongside Josh Cullen, who played all eight qualifiers last year. Both retained possession and played key passes through the lines to set Ireland on counter attacks.

Ireland’s front three of Callum Robinson, Jason Knight and man of the match Chiedozie Ogbene looked threatening for much of the game. Ogbene finished the evening with a goal and an assist, while Robinson was inches away from putting Ireland 2-1 up on fifty minutes, after Denayer cleared his effort off the line. Jason Knight shone out wide, as he did last November away in Luxembourg, and was unlucky not to score himself.

Ireland manager Stephen Kenny spoke to the media following the 2-2 draw against  the world’s number one ranked side.

"It was a high technical standard game,” said Kenny.

“It was end to end really. I’m disappointed by both goals we conceded. I thought the determination and quality we showed to come back and score the two goals was hugely encouraging. To win the game would not have flattered us at all.”

"There was the clearance off line where we probably should have scored after half-time. We would have gone 2-1 up at that critical moment. I was really pleased overall with the performance of the players."

“To have a near capacity crowd was amazing. The players fed off that and they wanted to keep up the (seven game) unbeaten run and the good run we've had over the last 11 games.”

"We played some good teams in that run, Serbia, Portugal twice and Belgium, so it was important to keep that going and try to get the momentum. The Nations League games in June and September are important and we want to build momentum for that."

Ireland’s attention will now turn to Tuesday’s visit of Lithuania, as Kenny’s side look to extend their unbeaten run.

International Friendly Report: Republic of Ireland 2 - 2 Belgium https://t.co/Jb7ykNgFUupic.twitter.com/BQ1NeHTO7y

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