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60 crucial seconds changed the course of the Ireland's loss to Belgium - Graeme Souness

Belgium opened the scoring less that 60 seconds after Shane Long thought he should have been give...



60 crucial seconds changed the...
Soccer

60 crucial seconds changed the course of the Ireland's loss to Belgium - Graeme Souness

Belgium opened the scoring less that 60 seconds after Shane Long thought he should have been given a penalty after being on the end of a Toby Alderweireld high-boot.

Speaking to Off the Ball, after Belgium's 3-0 win, Graeme Souness admitted that the game, turned on its head in those 60 seconds.

"There's no ifs, but or maybes. That was a penalty. Shane Long tipped his head because he thinks he's going to get kicked by Alderweireld."

Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Donall Farmer

"The three goals Ireland conceded were all avoidable", he added. "Martin (O'Neill) will be annoyed and angry about the way the goals were conceded".

"There was nothing wrong with the tactics. There was nothing wrong with the game plan. The three goals were individual mistakes. On another day you would hope these players wont make those mistakes."

Ireland's final game comes on Wednesday against Italy and Souness thinks that the four-time World Champions need to have an "off day" if the team are to get something from the game.

"One of the worst teams out there to chase is the Italians... Ireland will get a chance in 90 minutes. If they keep a clean sheet, they will get chances."

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