The Republic of Ireland head into their Euro 2016 showdown with Belgium knowing they need a result against the side now sitting second in FIFA’s world rankings if they are to keep their qualification hopes alive.
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After losing 2-0 to Italy in Lyon Liverpool striker Origi believes the game against Martin O’Neill’s side- who drew their opener with Sweden 1-1 – is now a must-win for Belgium.
Romelu Lukaku’s place as Belgium’s lone forward is most under threat should coach Marc Wilmots decide to make changes from the side beaten by Italy. “I think we have got players who are improving at worldwide level spurred on by a magical crowd”, concluded the Irish boss who now must prepare his side for what is sure to be one of their toughest tests to date when they take on the World number 2’s in Bordeaux next weekend.
“We know that Ireland will play with the long ball up Long, so we will have to arm ourselves physically”.
The Belgian Red Devils have, arguably, the best array of talent in the tournament, but Wilmots is failing to get the best out of them and the criticism has come from all angles.
Belgium attacker Kevin de Bruyne pays tribute to Republic of Ireland ahead of their Group E meeting at Euro 2016 this weekend.
“I don’t think they will lose two games in a row, they are not used to it”. Marc Wilmots’ team were the favourites going into the team, but Antonio Conte out foxed them and ran out comfortable 2-0 winners. I will have to think about the line-up.
“I can certainly say we felt as disappointed about the result as the fans”.
“It’ll be a tough night for us but we want to make it tough for them as well”. “If the game against Sweden doesn’t give you a lift, nothing will”.
“We go into Saturday’s game knowing we’re a hard team to beat”, Coleman said.
However, Belgium have not lost any stock with O’Neill.
– Eden Hazard has yet to score in 458 minutes at major tournaments (World Cup + Euro).
Ireland will arrive in Bordeaux buoyed by the quality of their performance against the Swedes after they took the game by the scruff of the neck and led deservedly through Wes Hoolahan’s strike before a Ciaran Clark own goal cost them two precious points. A passive collective effort up until that point had seen few chances and a peripheral role for star man Zlatan Ibrahimovic, while Marcus Berg was the personification of anonymity, so they may end up regretting their slow start should they fail to progress from Group E.
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Jon Walters, whose Achilles injury flared up against Sweden, is a doubt for Saturday’s match against the second-ranked Belgians.
