Penalty pain for Ferguson but Ireland hold Belgians

Evan Ferguson's missed penalty denied Ireland a chance to secure a victory over Belgium as their friendly international ended scoreless at the Aviva Stadium.

The first-half spot-kick was saved as John O’Shea’s managerial debut ended all-square against a high-profile Belgium side that failed to fire.

Chances for both sides to win it in the second half, but a fair result in the end in front of 38,000 at Lansdowne Road.

First impressions were positive from O'Shea's selection, as the team continued to play out from the back, however, they seemed more eager to get the ball into the opposition half.

And within four minutes they worked a chance on goal after a ball into Ferguson allowed the striker to use his strength to win the ball, bringing Josh Cullen into the action.

The midfield fed Sammie Szmodics who slipped the ball through to Ogbene racing in on goal.

The striker looked to beat the keeper at the near post but blasted a left-foot curling effort into side netting, and received a subsequent blast from Seamus Coleman who had raced up the right but was not spotted.

It was a great start from Ireland who maintained their attacking intent throughout those opening 10 minutes as Belgium had yet to get going.

Belgium’s first chance came in the 11th minute as Leandro Troussard found space out on the left to clip a ball into the box. Youri Tielemans arrived onto the cross at the near post, however, his glancing header lacked power and direction.

Belgium started to take control of proceedings, knocking the ball around at will, but Ireland did not panic, but rather appeared happy to sit deep, and seemed calm and in control – Belgium did not pass.

There was a slight scare in the 18th minute as a clever ball through the defence from deep for