da brwin： Brighton's Evan Ferguson missed a first-half penalty as the Republic of Ireland held Belgium to a 0-0 friendly draw on Saturday.
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Republic of Ireland host Belgium in friendlyO'Shea's first game in charge as interim bossFerguson misses penalty in goalless drawGettyTELL ME MORE
Interim manager John O'Shea took charge of Ireland for the first time at the Dublin Arena and will be wondering how his team didn't go in at the break with the lead. Luton's Chiedozie Ogbene had a great chance in the opening minutes of the clash but could only fire into the side-netting after sprinting into the box. Yet Ireland had another glorious opportunity just before the half-hour mark when the hosts were awarded a penalty for a handball against Arthur Vermeeren. Brighton's Evan Ferguson stepped up but saw his penalty saved by goalkeeper Matz Sels.
Ferguson's misery was compounded when he missed again right at the start of the second half. A lofted ball in from the left found the forward, but he could only head over the bar from point-blank range. Belgium were struggling to create chances against an organised Ireland defence but did work an opening with 20 minutes to go when Dodi Lukebakio pulled the ball back for Thomas Meunier. The defender looked destined to score but was denied by Liverpool stopper Caoimhin Kelleher as both sides had to settle for a draw.
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In a game of few chances, Belgium were indebted to Matz Sels and his penalty save for avoiding defeat in Dublin. Belgium offered very little attacking threat throughout the 90 minutes against a Republic of Ireland side who looked the livelier in the final third. Of course Ferguson's penalty was the best chance of the whole match but he couldn't beat Sels, who blocked with his legs to deny the hosts their first goal under O'Shea.
Getty ImagesTHE BIG LOSER
Evan Ferguson is enduring a miserable time in front of goal and suffered more pain on Saturday. The Brighton attacker hasn't scored since November, when he netted against Nottingham Forest, but had the perfect opportunity to end that drought when Ireland were awarded a penalty. The Manchester United-linked attacker stepped up to take the kick but put his penalty too close to Sels, who made the save. Another opportunity went begging right at the start of the second half before he was eventually taken off after 70 minutes.
GettyWHAT COMES NEXT?
Both teams are back in friendly action on Tuesday. Ireland host Switzerland in Dublin, while Belgium head to Wembley Stadium to take on England.