Mannion and Ireland Know Complacency Could Be the Killer in Belgium

From left field came a flurry of left-footed goals for Ireland on Friday. Now, the challenge for Tuesday is to prevent Belgium from enjoying a similar advantage on home soil.

Since switching allegiance from England in 2023, Aoife Mannion has endured more setbacks than moments of joy. Her hopes of making an immediate impact on the world stage were derailed by injury, and a succession of knocks has since interrupted her progress. The 4-2 first-leg victory over Belgium marked just her 17th cap for the Republic of Ireland — and a much-needed high point.

Aside from that famous summer evening in 2024 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, when Ireland stunned a French side already qualified for the Euros, the highlights have been few and far between.

Failing to build on the 2023 World Cup campaign by progressing smoothly towards the European Championship qualification stung deeply, while a 4-0 defeat to Slovenia in Koper earlier this year remains a painful memory.

“Maybe this result will be a wake-up call,” Mannion reflected at the time.

Guarding Against Complacency

Now, the Newcastle United defender could play a pivotal role in helping Ireland emerge from Leuven tomorrow with a clearer path towards qualification for the 2027 World Cup, to be hosted in Brazil.

A commanding three-goal lead was trimmed to two late on when Marie Detruyer found the bottom corner to hand Belgium a lifeline. That strike could yet prove a turning point for the hosts, whose manager Elisabet Gunnarsdottir was scathing in her post-match assessment.

“I didn’t recognise my team – it was hard to watch,” said the Icelandic coach.
“There was a lack of fighting spirit. We knew Ireland would fight, and we weren’t up to it.”

Mannion, who joined Newcastle United from Manchester United over the summer, knows precisely where Ireland could come unstuck.

“The biggest challenge when things are over two legs and you’re going in with the lead is complacency,” she warned.
“It’s often easier to be chasing something than defending. Sometimes it’s harder knowing you’ve got that buffer — you can take your foot off the pedal.

“Belgium now have a free hit. They’ll come with that fearless mentality, knowing they have to go after the game. They’ll bring all the energy — and we need to match that.”

Firepower and Focus

Head coach Carla Ward will be boosted by the return of Anna Patten, strengthening the defensive line. Yet much of Ireland’s threat will again revolve around Katie McCabe, who earns her 100th cap amid a sparkling run of form.

McCabe’s hat-trick in Dublin was later adjusted by UEFA, with her third goal officially credited as an own goal, while Marissa Sheva netted her first for Ireland with a superb strike.

“Every single goal came from a left foot — between Kate’s three and Marissa’s,” noted Birmingham-born Mannion.
“Katie’s world-class — she won the Champions League with Arsenal last season.

“She carries huge expectations and is such a fitting captain through her performances. People sometimes forget that — and then you see what she can produce.

“Not many players can strike the ball like she did for that second goal. Even as a teammate, watching it unfold, you’re thinking: ‘Oh my goodness, that level of quality is so hard to produce.’”

Defensive Discipline Key

Quality, however, is not just about attacking prowess. Conceding twice would normally prove costly at this level, yet Ireland managed to restrict Belgium’s overall chances. Grace Moloney will again deputise in goal for the injured Courtney Brosnan, after a steady display in the first leg.

“Belgium have great height in their team — something I only really noticed walking out of the tunnel on Friday,” Mannion admitted.
“We defended a lot of set pieces, but 90% of that comes down to delivery.

“With someone like Katie over the ball, you always have a chance. We’ve got real threat in their box too — players like Caitlin Hayes make us dangerous from dead-ball situations.”

Ireland will travel to Leuven knowing the hard work is far from over. Their first-leg victory was impressive, but as Mannion warns, complacency could be their undoing. The fight to secure a return to League A — and keep the World Cup dream alive — continues.