Ireland 1-0 Finland
Eoin Harrington reporting from the Aviva Stadium
Caoimhín Kelleher was the hero in the Aviva Stadium on Thursday night, as Ireland claimed their first home win of the Heimir Hallgrímsson era in dramatic fashion against Finland.
Head coach Hallgrímsson made four changes to the team which lost to Greece in Athens last time out. The headline news was the return of Matt Doherty, even after the Wolves full-back was left out of the initial squad selection.
Unlike in the match in Helsinki or in the defeat in Athens, Ireland did not need to go behind to get on the front foot, pressing high early on and mostly having the better of the first-half proceedings. They were deservedly in front at the break thanks to Evan Ferguson’s neat header in the final minute of first-half action.
Half-time: Republic of Ireland 1-0 Finland
Evan Ferguson heads home Mikey Johnston’s fabulous cross and Ireland lead at the break.
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After a more subdued second period, Ferguson was to be involved in the night’s other major incident, as VAR picked up his handball in the box and awarded Finland a penalty with just 15 minutes to play.
Up stepped Kelleher with an outstanding double save, first from Pohjanpalo’s penalty and then again from the rebound. Ireland would hold on for victory, a result that ensures they will avoid automatic relegation to Nations League C.
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Ireland v Finland: Player ratings
Caoimhín Kelleher – 8
Kelleher is clearly becoming more confident and assured with his short passing game with Ireland.
Even though it was called offside, his stop from Kallman at point-blank range just after the half-hour was excellent.
His penalty save was the moment of the game, with the Ireland fans brought to their feet by his outstanding stop. He did brilliantly to get down low to his right and keep out Pohjanpalo’s spot-kick. Even more impressive was his bravery in getting down to stop the rebound.
Thou shalt not pass – Caoimhín Kelleher with a terrific double-save from the spot-kick prevents Finland drawing level.
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The best player in this Ireland team, Kelleher delivered in outstanding fashion when they needed him on Thursday night.
Callum O’Dowda – 6
14 November 2024; Nikolai Alho of Finland in action against Callum O’Dowda of Republic of Ireland during the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between Republic of Ireland and Finland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
Booked in the opening minutes for a reckless tackle on the halfway line. Finland’s most dangerous first half attacks mostly stemmed from O’Dowda’s flank.
His link-up play with Johnston down the left was a bright spark of creativity for Ireland.
Liam Scales – 7
Involved less than his centre-half partner early on but was largely unflappable when forced into action.
Headed over when the wiser call might have been to leave it to Ferguson behind shortly before half-time.
Came up with some strong moments of box defending when Finland enjoyed a dangerous spell just after the hour.
Nathan Collins – 7
Dealt with early threats well with composed interventions and intelligent passing. On the rare occasions that Finland threatened the Irish box, Collins was on hand to intercept.
Recovered well to head to safety after Ireland were left bamboozled by a Finnish counter-attack just before the break.
Matt Doherty – 6
14 November 2024; Matt Doherty of Republic of Ireland during the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between Republic of Ireland and Finland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
The headline selection after being left out of Hallgrímsson’s initial squad. Sat back much deeper than O’Dowda and made some solid defensive plays early on but grew in confidence and pushed forward as the game progressed.
Headed just wide from a corner after a clever run from the edge of the area before the break.
In fairness to Doherty, his tracking back and pressing were generally smarter and more purposeful than in the first window under Hallgrímsson.
Mikey Johnston – 7.5
Broke out of pressure superbly on the edge of his box in the opening ten minutes to set Ireland on the counter. Johnston possesses a skillset in tight situations that few others in this squad have.
Generally smart in picking up possession and linked up well with O’Dowda down the left.
His trickery on the edge of the area and delightful cross were sublime to set up Ferguson’s opener.
Josh Cullen – 6
His influence grew throughout the first half, and he pushed up alongside Knight as the half-hour approached. Slightly calmer in possession than his midfield partner, though it was rare that Cullen found much time on the ball in the first half.
Jason Knight – 5.5
Relentless pressing on the Finland backline in the opening minutes. Booked in the 12th minute for an over-eager high challenge in midfield. His energy and legs were a cut above anyone else in the midfield in the opening 20 minutes but he could do little with the ball at his feet.
Wild with two shots from distance either side of half-time.
Festy Ebosele – 7.5
14 November 2024; Festy Ebosele of Republic of Ireland in action against Matti Peltola, 3, and Jere Uronen of Finland during the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between Republic of Ireland and Finland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Made a well-deserved first start for Ireland and showed high energy from the off.
His marker down the wing was no match for Ebosele’s pace, and Ireland used it with increasing frequency as the game developed. His dangerous deliveries into the area deserved more.
Ebosele’s involvement was evidently popular – almost every touch from the Wexford man drew a cheer from the Ireland fans in the opening stages. That was, in truth, partly down to the positive play he provided whenever in possession.
The injury that seemingly forced his withdrawal will be of great concern to Irish fans.
Sammie Szmodics – 7
Good front-footed pressing early on. Would have hoped to do better when played through by Johnston early on.
Strayed just offside when played through by Ferguson for Ireland’s disallowed opener. The Irish forward who most consistently threatened to score in the first half, he was utilised more as a target man for phases of the second period.
Evan Ferguson – 8
14 November 2024; Evan Ferguson, 9, of Republic of Ireland after scoring their side’s first goal with team-mates, from left, Liam Scales, Festy Ebosele, Nathan Collins, Matt Doherty and Sammie Szmodics during the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between Republic of Ireland and Finland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Like Szmodics, provided an energetic pressing presence when Finland were in possession.
Ferguson provided a sumptuous first-half through ball for Szmodics, who unfortunately strayed offside before rolling it into the net. That emboldened the 20-year-old, who became more involved in the attacking play. He got his reward with a well-finished header on the stroke of half-time.
He continued to put sustained pressure on the Finland backline after the break when he began to link up more with Ebosele and Szmodics.
The penalty he conceded was unfortunate but he had no defence with his arms outstretched, and he was subbed off seconds after. The save provided by Caoimhín Kelleher was a welcome reprieve.
Substitutes
Dara O’Shea (for Doherty, 76′) – 5
Assured, though he had little to do.
Finn Azaz (for Ferguson, 76′) – 5
Did well to buy a foul in injury time as Ireland sought to see the game out.
Jayson Molumby (for Ebosele, 76′) – 5.5
Showed brilliant composure in playing out from the back with nine minutes remaining. Pressed energetically high up the pitch in the dying moments.
Ryan Manning (for Johnston, 85′) – n/a
Not on long enough to rate.
Tom Cannon (for Szmodics, 85′) – n/a
Not on long enough to rate.