Ireland Vs Belgium: Roberto Martinez Fielding Second-tier Players, The Score Draws 2-2

Republic of Ireland's Alan Browne celebrates a goal with his teammates during Ireland's friendly match against Belgium at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - Substitute Alan Browne scored from a header five minutes from time which saw hosts Ireland draw 2-2 against top-ranked Belgium in a friendly at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday 26 March local time. This result further enliven the centennial celebrations. The Irish Football Association and extended the hosts' unbeaten run to seven games. Michy Batshuayi and Hans Vanaken scored in both halves to threaten Ireland to spoil the party as Belgium twice took charge of this game. Belgium coach Roberto Martinez stripped a player of his 50 caps. by fielding a second team before the Qatar World Cup held in November. Belgium were without their 12 starting line-up. But the visitors went ahead in the 12th minute when Batshuayi pierced the box from the left flank to score the opener with a curling shot past the face of goal into the far corner. But Ireland responded with a more spectacular goal when Chiedozie Ogbene's overhead strike equalized 10 minutes before the break. Callum Robinson managed to throw away a visitors' effort just after halftime but in the 58th minute he couldn't keep out Vanaken's header which was deflected by Ireland captain Seamus Coleman to restore Belgium's lead. Ogbene's tenacity to chase a loose ball down the right flank created the equaliser in the 85th minute after he pressed for the ball but kept it in check. He then slid in a perfect cross for Browne who scored from a powerful header.