REPORT | MU18 | Belgium hit back

Having beaten their opponents in a close fought 2-1 win just two days previous, thanks to goals from Nickson Okosun and Taylor Mooney, Colin O’Brien made several changes, keeping just two from the starting line-up that started that day.

Crystal Palace defender Jake Grante and ex-Bohemians man - now at Lommel SK in Belgium - Daniel McGrath retained their places as the Irish boss looked to cast his eye over a talented bunch of players at his disposal.

But it was the Belgians who took the lead early on when the impressive Amadou Diallo burst down the right side before cutting in and curling a beautiful low effort past Waterford’s Jason Healy. 

Despite the early set-back, the Irish youngsters grew into the game as pressure built in search of an equaliser. Chelsea attacker Shaun Wade, operating on the right wing, looked dangerous with the ball at his feet and began to cause problems.

Looking to get him in over the top, dangerman Diallo was at it again minutes later but this time Healy was more than equal to his effort from distance as the game ebbed and flowed nicely.

Exciting Portsmouth prospect Sam Folarin was next to go close but narrowly missed the target, flashing a powerful shot low across goal.

With 20 minutes played, the Irish players were left scratching their heads at how they weren’t level when Brian Cunningham got on the end of Wade's cross, but from point blank range saw his strike expertly saved by Nathan Delvaux. 

And just three minutes later the 18-year-old stopper was breaking Irish hearts again smothering Taylor Mooney’s low strike from just outside the area.

Having weathered the Irish storm, it was the Belgians who finished the half strongly forcing Healy into a full stretch save from a lightning quick break, before doubling their lead on the stroke of half-time, winning the ball well in the middle of the park before Elton Yeboah slid the ball under the onrushing Healy to double their lead.

O’Brien made six substitutions at the break and that almost had the desired effect. Ireland moved the ball well to force a corner early on before being disappointingly denied a penalty when substitute Aaron McLoughlin looked to be pulled back in the area.

Chasing the all-important next goal, The Boys in Green were unfortunately hit on the counterattack down the right wing just before the hour mark and Yeboah was on hand to tap home for his second of the game.

Bohemian hitman Okuson tried his best to haul his side back into proceedings with a clever turn and shot in the area but with 10 minutes remaining Anderlecht man Luka Vereecken put the icing on the cake for his country with a quality touch and finish.

Despite the disappointing result, it will no doubt have been a hugely beneficial camp for O’Brien and his staff, testing themselves against high quality opposition.

Ireland: Jason Healy, Jake Grante, Brian Cunningham (Stan Ashbee 45), Daniel McGrath (Anto Dodd 62), Conor Reynolds (Tom Olyott 45), Aaron Moloney (Nickson Okosun 45), Adam Queally (Aaron McLoughlin 45), Sam Folarin (Sean McCarthy 45), Shaun Wade, Adam O’Halloran (Daniel Babb 62), Taylor Mooney (John O’Sullivan 45).

Belgium: Nathan Delvaux, Kanou Sy, Lukas Baert, Naguy Maertens, Briek Van Hoorick, Amadou Diallo, Elton Yeboah, Xander Van der Velde, Fabiano Ferro, Gyano Venderdonck, Jef Luyckx.