Ferguson fluffs penalty as Belgium draw with Ireland

Updated: Mar 23, 2024, 07:11 pm
Evan Ferguson missed a penalty in the first half against Belgium.
Getty

Ireland striker Evan Ferguson missed a first-half penalty as interim manager John O'Shea began his tenure with a 0-0 home draw against Belgium in a friendly on Saturday.

The home side were awarded a spot-kick when Dara O'Shea struck the ball against Arthur Vermeeren's arm from close range, but Ferguson's penalty was poor and Belgium goalkeeper Matz Sels saved it with his feet.

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Belgium, who have now gone 11 games undefeated under coach Domenico Tedesco since a disastrous 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar, had the lion's share of possession but failed to create many clear-cut chances.

Euro 2024-bound Belgium travel to London to face England in a friendly on Tuesday. Ireland, who did not qualify for the continental finals, welcome Switzerland to Dublin the same evening.