Evan Ferguson’s fourth senior international goal handed the Republic of Ireland a 1-0 Nations League victory over Finland as Caoimhin Kelleher saved a penalty to see them across the line.
The 20-year-old Brighton striker’s header in the final minute of the first half proved sufficient to add three more points to those his side secured in the reverse fixture in Helsinki last month, but only after Liverpool keeper Kelleher had kept out substitute Joel Pohjanpalo’s second-half spot-kick.
Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has now won two of the five matches for which he has been in charge, but the fact that Ireland have tasted victory just eight times in their last 34 competitive outings fixtures serves as a reminder that they remain a work in progress.
FT | Three points and a clean sheet to secure third place in the group!#COYBIG | #IRLFIN pic.twitter.com/jOluJjSj0B
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 14, 2024
However, a fit-again Ferguson, aided by the invention of winger Mikey Johnston and the movement and industry of Sammie Szmodics and a general tenacity in defence suggests a measure of improvement even if theywere grateful to the woodwork for two first-half escapes.
Kaan Kairinen produced the game’s first attempt with 14 minutes gone, but cleared the crossbar by some distance, much to the enjoyment of the locals, although Liam Scales had to throw himself into the path of the midfielder’s 16th-minute shot after Nikolai Alho and Robin Lod had exchanged passes down the right to open Ireland up.
They thought they had taken a 23rd-minute lead with their most fluent move of the game to that point when Szmodics rounded keeper Lukas Hradecky to finish after running on to Ferguson’s superb pass, but he has slightly mistimed his run and an offside flag ruined his celebrations.
Ferguson saw a long-range attempt loop over with Hradecky wrong-footed two minutes later with Hallgrimsson’s men warming to their task, but they were fortunate to escape 14 minutes before the break when Alho robbed Johnston and fed Lod, who curled a left-foot shot across Kelleher, but saw the ball come back off the far post.
Striker Benjamin Kallman acrobatically headed just wide from an Antman cross and was then denied one-on-one by Kelleher, and Hradecky had to tip over Szmodics’ well-struck effort after he had muscled defender Arttu Hoskonen off the ball.
Matt Doherty – back in the starting line-up after initially being left out of the squad – powered a free-header wide from Johnston’s corner with four minutes of the half remaining, but it took Nathan Collins’ intervention to turn Antman’s goal-bound effort on to the same post which had earlier denied Kallman, and the Republic made the most of their second escape on the stroke of half-time.
Johnston tricked his way past Alho once again and chipped the most teasing of crosses into the box for Ferguson to head home from close range.
If the first half had ended in explosive fashion, the start of the second was prosaic by comparison with Szmodics’ foraging runs and Peltola’s willingness to drill cross-field passes out to Alho all it had to recommend it.
Johnston went just wide after cutting inside Lod from Doherty’s driven pass, but Kelleher was relieved to see Pohjanpalo steer a first-time shot just over from fellow substitute Daniel O’Shaughnessy – his father was born in Ireland – with 22 minutes remaining.
Ferguson’s evening took a turn for the worse with 14 minutes remaining when, after a VAR review, he was adjudged to have blocked O’Shaughnessy’s hooked attempt with his arm and German referee Harm Osmers belatedly pointed to the spot.
But Kelleher guessed correctly as he dived to his right to save Pohjanpalo’s attempt from 12 yards before claiming the loose ball, and the striker further fluffed his lines in stoppage time when he fell over inside the box after being presented with a chance to redeem himself.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal 3-0 Nottm Forest Leicester 1-2 Chelsea Pray for City! Club football is back Harry Kane recreated the Bundesliga logo When you order Jack Grealish on Wish This Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC)...
The France striker has been linked with Manchester United in recent days.And as he battles to work his way into Chelsea's starting XI this season, Nkunku is said to be considering his options.United and PSG have both been linked with the striker.But the Athletic says Chelsea have ruled out parting with Nkunku in January....
Diomande has been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City this season.Andersen coached the defender with Midtjylland U19s and told O Jogo: “I can understand that there is a lot of enthusiasm around Diomande and that big clubs are after him, because he has been very well. "They're crazy values, you've reached a point where you start to wonder if they belong there. I talk to...
Trivela says Real are considering a move for the Brazilian veteran in January.Real management recognise the retirement of Toni Kroos has left a massive void, which has led to discussions about bringing Casemiro back to the club.It's believed Casemiro would have a big impact on the pitch and in the dressing room at Real, which are struggling for consistency this season.The 32 year-old left Real for...
Arsenal and Liverpool to lock horns in January for ZubimendiReal Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a prime target for Liverpool, but Arsenal are reportedly keen on rivalling the Merseyside club for his signature. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are preparing a second bid for the standout player, with a January transfer seen as a strong possibility. They are determined to land Zu...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Jack Grealish joked about Pep Guardiola's reaction if he went on I'm a Celeb this year Man City vs Spurs this weekend… Cristiano Ronaldo Mudryppe Throw back to the most crazy substitution in football history... Kylian Mbappe vs Tree When everyone keeps calling you a one season wonder but you're just a chill guy. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will...
Ruben Amorim is set to take charge of his first game for the Red Devils against Ipswich on Sunday.Man Utd are planning some major transfers to bolster Ruben Amorim's teamThe club are reportedly considering returning for Jarrad BranthwaiteJamie Carragher is intrigued to see how such a "radical" move with work mid-season, while Amorim himself has warned fans they will need to prepare for some "hard ...
The center half is one of the most sought after young talents in the world at present.Per football.london, both Arsenal and United are keen to sign him in the summer.However, the source states that United are very much in the ascendancy in this respect.Having hired Ruben Amorim, who was previously Diomande's manager at Sporting CP, gives them a big edge.Diomande may also base his decision on wheth...
Javier Mascherano is set to become the new head coach of Inter Miami in the upcoming days as the two parties finalize contract negotiations, sources have confirmed to ESPN.Mascherano will leave his post as manager of Argentina's youth team to lead Lionel Messi and the Herons throughout the 2025 campaign. He replaces Gerardo "Tata" Martino, who exits the club after a year and a half due to personal...
Kolo Muani Linked with January Premier League LoanParis Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani could secure a temporary move to the Premier League in January, according to Caught Offside. The French international, who has faced limited playing opportunities this season, is attracting interest from several English clubs. West Ham United and Newcastle United are reportedly leading the race for Kolo...
- 1 Roy Keane forced to watch daughter's beau net on his England debut
- 2 I am not a lunatic – Craig Bellamy glad to show different side in Wales dugout
- 3 Nicolas Pepe pictured on night out with porn star Teanna Trump
- 4 Roy Keane’s daughter pictured with Taylor Harwood-Bellis for first time
- 5 Johnnie Jackson bemoans refereeing decisions after dramatic Dons draw
- 6 Liverpool and Man Utd eye Pulisic
- 7 Liam Cullen leads Wales to Nations League promotion
- 8 Daily Laugh - Oliver Aiku, who praises Van Dijk
- 9 Trent Alexander-Arnold dating stunning Instagram model
- 10 Ex-Prem ace asked Liverpool star for his sister's phone number