James McClean came on as a substitute and watched his left footed strike flash past the post
IT wasn’t in the script and in the end Belgium outplayed Ireland on the pitch both mentally and physically.
Creggan’s James McClean came on at 66 minutes to replace James McCarthy who was at fault for the second goal by Witsel.
Four minutes in the second half Lukaku broke Irish hearts when he score from the edge of the box.
Witsel made it 2-0 on 61 when he strode into the box and lost his marker James McCarthy to head home past Randolph.
The writing was on the wall and manager Martin O’Neill decided to swap McCarthy with McClean.
The Derry lad was keen to impress and within minutes of coming on he was offering an option for Ireland down on the left.
He tried to pick out the run of Long in the box but his cross is too deep and easily gathered by the goalkeeper.
McClean also had a left-footed shot which flashed past the Belgium post.
But minutes later McClean was attacking down the left when he lost the ball near the corner flag.
Belgium sprung a break up to the Irish goal by the impressive Meunier.
He played the ball through to Hazard who evaded a rash sliding tackle from Clark on the halfway line and suddenly it’s three on two at the back.
John O’Shea has no option but to go towards Hazard but that leaves room for Lukaku and Hazard passes the ball sideways to the Everton striker who again, calmly slides the ball past Randolph.
McClean had tracked all the way back but was unable to stop Lukaku’s shot.
It wass a goal of simplicity and Ireland are beaten but Clark really had to stay on his feet against Hazard.
Now Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane will have to pick up their players for ‘The Italian Job’ next week.
It is must win game next Wednesday against Italy who have already qualified from the group to the knockout stages.
Tags:
