Ireland 2 Belgium 2: Ireland player ratings

Caoimhin Kelleher

No chance with either goal. Got himself involved by coming for crosses but hadn't a lot to do otherwise. Very safe with the ball at his feet, which must give his defenders real certainty. Rating: 6

Séamus Coleman

Raging against the dying of the light. Belgium targeted him and Batshuayi whistled past him for the first goal. But he recovered to have a typically admirable display, full of pressing, harrying and courage in attack. Unlucky deflection for the second goal. Rating: 5

Shane Duffy

Stayed forward for the throw-in that led to the goal, giving Robinson something to aim at and causing the chaos for Chiedozie Ogbene to capitalise. Won't enjoy the video for the second Belgian goal though - it will offend him that four of them were allowed to queue up. Rating: 6

John Egan

Led the Irish press, frequently nipping in from behind unsuspecting Belgian midfielders to whip possession from under their noses and surge forward. Marshalled the left side of the Irish defence well and let James McClean do his thing further forward. Rating: 7

Ireland earn draw with world number one team Belgium

---

Keith Duggan: Forget Euro 2028, Irish soccer’s awakening has begun

---

Spurs keep on Arsenal’s heels as battle for fourth spot hots up

---

Chelsea withdraw request for match at Boro to be behind close doors

---

Matt Doherty

Needed to be more alive to the danger for Batshuayi's goal - was a bit slow to get back to help Coleman and Ireland paid the price. Enjoyed himself on the front foot though, intercepting to start the move for the second goal. Rating: 7

James McClean

Put in his usual barnstorming night down the left and pleasingly didn't put in any rash tackles. Didn't offer a lot that threatened the Belgium goal but was secure defensively. Rating: 6

Josh Cullen

Had an unfair workload in the first half, often finding himself outnumbered in the middle third as Belgium played around him. Much better second half, standing sentry as Ireland chased an equaliser. Kept Youri Tielemans quiet throughout. Rating: 6

Jeff Hendrick

Left Cullen without cover occasionally but always tried to play positively. Sprayed some glorious passes around the place, including one to Jason Knight in the second half that was within inches of perfection. Rating: 6

Jason Knight

Frustrating display. Couldn't fault him for effort or intention but his passes generally fell a half-yard the wrong way and his interventions were a half-second late. Replaced by Will Keane with 15 to go. Rating: 5

Chiedozie Ogbene

Massive contribution. His goal seemed to happen in slow motion but he didn't panic and did everything right, earning his luck with the deflection. His pace and willingness to end himself bought the second goal, his cross for Browne was silver service. Rating: 9

Callum Robinson

Loves the stage. Involved three times in the build-up to Ogbene's goal, forceful and positive with each one. Turned two Belgian defenders inside-out with a lovely trick in the second half and stung Simon Mignolet's hands with the shot. Rating: 7

Substitutes

Alan Browne's header was a peach, arriving late to plant Ogbene's cross past Mignolet. It saved the game and was no more than Ireland deserved. Will Keane made a passable nuisance of himself. Ryan Manning and Troy Parrott weren't on long enough to affect the game. Rating: 7

Stephen Kenny

Another tidy display from his side. Fought back well after going behind twice and one of his subs scored the equaliser so you can't ask for much more than that. The second goal looked like bad organisation though so they'll have to brush up on that. Rating: 7