It was yet another game without a victory for Ireland but Sammie Szmodics said tactical homework done during the week was shown in their 0-0 draw with Belgium at the Aviva Stadium.
Ireland looked well equipped in the first half and could've easily gone into the break ahead if Evan Ferguson scored from the spot but out of the two teams, Ireland looked like the most likely to score throughout the 90 minutes.
One of the bright sparks was debutant Sammie Szmodics. The Blackburn Rovers forward was a threat throughout the match on the left of a front three and in his post match interview he said the team worked hard over the week in preparation for the Belgians.
I think it was a good performance, it's a tough Belgium team. John O'Shea just said a clean sheet and a point. I got my debut and it was a good team performance and something build on for Tuesday.
Yeah we done some real work in the week on some shape on them, how we can stop them and ultimately how we can go the other way and hurt them and I think in spaces in the game we did that and on another day we get a win.
We've worked hard, tactically we've worked very hard and we were very aware of Belgium. We'll rest and recover and get ready for the Switzerland game.
Sammie Szmodics spoke to @WillDalton01 post-match to reflect on his debut and the Irish performance.
🗣️ "It was great to get that debut, especially at the Aviva. Hopefully there's more to come." pic.twitter.com/pYR8S7PQYU
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 23, 2024
All in all it was a solid debut for Szmodics who worked well with Evan Ferguson in an old-school small man, big man partnership.
Ireland threaten again!
A well worked move from back to front but Szmodics' shot was blocked! Good play though!#COYBIG pic.twitter.com/TrroLPxKFq— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 23, 2024
Impressive Start To John O'Shea Era
Ireland showed in spells that they have the potential to be a good International side, not looking out of place at all against a Belgian side that although not first choice, they have a lot of players playing at the top level of European football.
However the lack of a goalscoring touch cost Ireland a potential win. A penalty miss from Evan Ferguson will get the headlines but there was a myriad of occasions where Ireland weren't clinical in the final third.
In John O'Shea's first foray into management, Ireland showed a lot of similar technical ability that was seen under Kenny, with some very nice play in the midfield and the three ball-playing centre backs Collins, O'Shea and Omobamidele all shone and Josh Cullen was the calm at the base of midfield and deservedly got Man of the Match.
It was clear that O'Shea's coaching staff put a serious amount of work in on the tactical side in terms of stopping Belgium. Ireland's press was highly effective.
This group of players is still waiting on a major win together but all signs show it's just a matter of time before they get that victory.
SEE ALSO: Ireland Player Ratings As O'Shea's Men Fail To Ignite In Belgium Stalemate
