The Republic of Ireland will have been disappointed to draw their opening game with Sweden but encouraged by a fine performance. Belgium, after their lacklustre display in defeat to Italy, are simply fuming.
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois criticised head coach Marc Wilmots in a post-match interview, saying Italy had "tactically outclassed us." Midfielder Radja Nainggolan was caught gesturing behind his coach's back after being substituted. Both men were spoken to by Wilmots on their journey back to the northern Bordeaux training base.
Like Wilmots, Republic of Ireland defender Ciaran Clark has found himself under the spotlight after own goal against Sweden last Monday. Yet unlike their rivals, there has been a united front in support of their man in focus.
TEAM NEWS
Belgium duo Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne both missed training earlier this week but are expected to play.
Romelu Lukaku's place as Belgium's lone forward is most under threat should coach Marc Wilmots decide to make changes from the side beaten by Italy.
Republic of Ireland will be without Jonathan Walters, who has been ruled out after aggravating an Achilles injury against Sweden.
There are no other reported injuries for Martin O'Neill's side.
Head-to-head
- Belgium are unbeaten in their last six matches against the Republic of Ireland (W2, D4) dating back to a 3-2 friendly loss in 1966.
- They haven't faced each other since November 1997, when Belgium beat the Republic 2-1 in a home World Cup qualifier.
- Belgian coach Marc Wilmots featured in the 1-1 draw at Lansdowne Road in the same qualifying campaign.
- The Republic of Ireland have never beaten Belgium in a competitive match (D5, L2). This is their first major tournament meeting.
Belgium
- Belgium have lost six of their last eight games at the Euros (W2), suffering 2-0 defeats in their three most recent matches.
- They have conceded a goal in each of their last eight games, their longest run without a clean sheet since a nine-game streak between May-September 1986.
- Belgium have not scored a European Championship finals goal since 2000 against Sweden, who they will face in their final group game. Emile Mpenza was the man on target.
- Only five of Belgium's 18 shots in their opener against Italy were struck from inside the box.
- Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku played alongside the Irish quartet of Seamus Coleman, Darron Gibson, James McCarthy and Aiden McGeady at Everton this season.
Republic of Ireland
- The Republic of Ireland are competing at their third European Championship.
- They have never progressed beyond the group stages of their two previous participations at the Euros (1988, 2012).
- They have not won at the tournament in their last six games, since beating England 1-0 on their Euros debut in 1988 (D2 L4).
- The Republic of Ireland have never scored more than one goal in a game at the European Championship. However, they had four shots on target against Sweden in their opening game; their best ever tally in a game.
- Robbie Keane has scored 11 goals in his last 13 starts with the Republic of Ireland.
Possible line-ups
Belgium: Courtois; Ciman, Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen; Witsel, Naingolan; Hazard, De Bruyne, Mertens; Lukaku.
Republic of Ireland: Randolph; Coleman, O'Shea, Clark, Brady; Hendrick, Whelan, McCarthy, McClean, Hoolahan; Long.
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