Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring his side’s third goal of the game with Axel Witsel (left) during the UEFA Euro 2016, Group E match at the Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux.
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Ireland became only the second team so far at this year’s finals to lose by more than two goals, after Turkey’s 3-0 loss to holders Spain on Friday, and must beat group winners Italy on Wednesday to have any chance of qualifying for the last 16. Was authoritative in the air on the rare occasion Belgian crosses fell into a unsafe area, and had little chance for either of Lukaku’s perfectly-placed shots, but should have gotten a stronger hand on the Witsel header that put the game beyond Ireland.
“We take confidence – even though we went 3-0 down, we kept the ball well and that’s what we have got to do for 90 minutes against Italy”.
Hendrick believes the fact that they need the win will focus the minds of the players and work as a motivating factor with little room for any doubt or the mistakes that cost them in Bordeaux.
“There was talk beforehand that if you remained unbeaten in the group and ended up with three points, level goal difference, that might might have been enough”.
The two-time defending champions Spain now lead Group D with a full six points after a 1-0 win over the Czech Republic and 3-0 victory against Turkey.
Belgium have now risen from the bottom of the group table to the second spot behind title contenders Italy with three points from two matches.
“We have great players and have done well”.
Axel Witsel doubled the score in the 61st, when he jumped above Ireland midfielder James McCarthy to crisply head in Thomas Meunier’s cross for his first global goal in almost two years.
Ireland had two attempts on goal against Belgium and Jon Walters’ fitness – having missed today’s match – is still hanging in the balance.
“The second goal today knocked the stuffing out of us completely but we have to be as positive as we can”.
“Yes, I bluffed. I bluffed”, Wilmots said. That was disappointing, but they are a fine side.
Nevertheless, they were fortunate not to go behind midway through the opening half when John O’Shea, heading a De Bruyne cross away from Lukaku, could only divert it to Hazard ten yards out. This left Hazard wide left but, with the addition of Carrasco, gave Belgium a more balanced, less narrow, attack.
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O’Neill said: “All I do know is what we have to try to do ourselves – we have to try to win the game and that can be our only thought”. “The way we responded was good and we really deserved this victory”.
