Friendlies without victory for Romania’s EURO opponents. Goal scored in the 6th second

Friendlies without victory for Romania’s EURO opponents. Goal scored in the 6th second

Belgium played modestly and only managed a 0-0 draw against Ireland, while Slovakia lost 0-2 at home to Austria.

Ireland – Belgium 0-0

The favorite of Group E at EURO 2024 was not present in the duel with Ireland in Dublin. The “Red Devils” sterilely controlled the possession, but the big chances belonged to the hosts.

The Irish could have taken the lead as early as 27 minutes, but Brighton star Evan Ferguson shot low and Matz Sels kept a clean sheet.

At the end of the half, Szmodics had the chance to score on their debut. Ferguson sent in a long ball, Szmodics beat a defender but fired over from inside the box.

Ferguson was also involved in the first big chance of the second half. After an excellent cross from Brady, the forward headed the rebound over the crossbar from outside the six-yard box.

In a game that was without the contribution of stars Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, Belgium had to wait until the 75th minute for their first big chance.

Lukebakio took Brady’s face and passed it to Meunier, who shot from outside the box. The ball was headed for the far corner but Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher made an excellent save.

Slovakia – Austria 0-2

Austria took their game seriously from the first touch of the ball and stormed towards Martin Dubravka’s goal.

Christoph Baumgartner effortlessly dribbled past three players and launched himself towards the Slovakian goal, firing powerfully into the far corner, the Newcastle keeper’s dive to no avail.

It was only the 6th minute and Slovakia were practically starting the match from 0-1 down, conceding the fastest goal in the history of international football, equaling Podolski’s goal against Ecuador in a 2013 friendly.

Austria doubled their lead in the 83rd minute through Weimann, handing the Slovakians their second defeat in their last five international matches.