Match report

Rep. Of Ireland Defeats Finland 1-0 in UEFA Nations League

Rep. Of Ireland
Rep. Of Ireland
1–0
FT
Finland
Finland
Nov 14, 2024

Rep. Of Ireland held their ground and secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Finland in the UEFA Nations League. E. Ferguson, assisted by Michael Johnston, scored the decisive goal in the 45th minute, which proved to be the difference in a closely contested match. Despite early setbacks with yellow cards for C. O'Dowda and Jason Knight, the Irish defense remained sturdy, denying Finland any equalizing opportunities. This victory solidifies Rep. Of Ireland's position in the competition.

Key Facts

  • • Rep. Of Ireland 1–0 Finland
  • • E. Ferguson scored the only goal at 45 minutes, assisted by Michael Johnston
  • • C. O'Dowda and Jason Knight received yellow cards in the first half
  • • Finland had multiple substitutions and a VAR review for a penalty confirmed
  • • Rep. Of Ireland made multiple substitutions in the second half

Lineups

Rep. Of Ireland

Formation: 4-4-2

Starting XI

  • 1 C. Kelleher (G)
  • 2 M. Doherty (D)
  • 22 N. Collins (D)
  • 5 L. Scales (D)
  • 3 C. O'Dowda (D)
  • 21 F. Ebosele (M)
  • 6 J. Cullen (M)
  • 17 J. Knight (M)
  • 11 M. Johnston (M)
  • 7 S. Szmodics (F)
  • 9 E. Ferguson (F)

Substitutes

  • 4 D. O'Shea
  • 14 F. Azaz
  • 8 J. Molumby
  • 15 R. Manning
  • 19 T. Cannon
  • 20 M. McGuinness
  • 13 A. Moran
  • 12 J. O'Brien
  • 10 T. Parrott
  • 18 K. McAteer
  • 23 M. Travers
  • 16 M. O’Leary

Finland

Formation: 5-4-1

Starting XI

  • 1 L. Hrádecký (G)
  • 17 N. Alho (D)
  • 5 A. Hoskonen (D)
  • 4 R. Ivanov (D)
  • 3 M. Peltola (D)
  • 18 J. Uronen (D)
  • 8 R. Lod (M)
  • 6 G. Kamara (M)
  • 14 K. Kairinen (M)
  • 7 O. Antman (M)
  • 9 B. Källman (F)

Substitutes

  • 2 D. O'Shaughnessy
  • 21 D. Håkans
  • 20 J. Pohjanpalo
  • 10 T. Pukki
  • 22 I. Niskanen
  • 12 J. Joronen
  • 16 U. Nissilä
  • 15 M. Tenho
  • 11 O. Valakari
  • 23 V. Sinisalo
  • 13 J. Pikkarainen
  • 19 A. Suhonen

Timeline

  1. Rep. Of Ireland
    3' Rep. Of Ireland Card · Yellow Card
    C. O'Dowda

    Foul

  2. Rep. Of Ireland
    12' Rep. Of Ireland Card · Yellow Card
    Jason Knight

    Foul

  3. Rep. Of Ireland
    45' Rep. Of Ireland Goal · Normal Goal
    E. Ferguson · Assist: Michael Johnston
  4. Finland
    58' Finland subst · Substitution 1
    Off: Matti Peltola · On: D. O'Shaughnessy
  5. Finland
    64' Finland subst · Substitution 2
    Off: J. Uronen · On: D. Håkans
  6. Finland
    64' Finland subst · Substitution 3
    Off: O. Antman · On: J. Pohjanpalo
  7. Finland
    74' Finland Var · Penalty confirmed
    D. O'Shaughnessy
  8. Rep. Of Ireland
    76' Rep. Of Ireland subst · Substitution 1
    Off: Matt Doherty · On: D. O'Shea
  9. Rep. Of Ireland
    76' Rep. Of Ireland subst · Substitution 2
    Off: E. Ferguson · On: F. Azaz
  10. Rep. Of Ireland
    76' Rep. Of Ireland subst · Substitution 3
    Off: F. Ebosele · On: J. Molumby
  11. Finland
    84' Finland subst · Substitution 4
    Off: B. Kallman · On: T. Pukki
  12. Rep. Of Ireland
    85' Rep. Of Ireland subst · Substitution 4
    Off: Michael Johnston · On: R. Manning
  13. Finland
    85' Finland subst · Substitution 5
    Off: Nikolai Alho · On: I. Niskanen

Match Stats

Stat Rep. Of Ireland Finland
Fouls 9 9
Pass Accuracy 82% 86%
Offsides 5 4
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 13 14
Corners 7 5
Total Passes 411 527
Yellow Cards 2 0
Blocked Shots 3 6
Shots on Target 3 4
xG — —
Shots off Target 7 4
Possession 44% 56%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 336 451
Shots Inside Box 7 12
Saves 4 2
Shots Outside Box 6 2

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ E. Ferguson's goal in the 45th minute was a crucial turning point, giving Rep. Of Ireland the lead going into halftime
  • ▸ Finland's VAR review for a penalty confirmed in the 74th minute was a significant moment, but the Irish defense managed to hold their ground and preserve the lead