Heimir Hallgrimsson has warned the Republic of Ireland they will need to be better than they were in Nations League victory over Finland if they want to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals.
Evan Ferguson’s header secured a 1-0 win over the Finns, who they beat 2-1 in Helsinki last month, to send Ireland into Sunday’s final League B2 fixture against England – 3-0 winners in Greece – at Wembley on a high.
However, they needed Caoimhin Kelleher’s second-half penalty save to preserve their clean sheet, while Finland also hit the woodwork.
Hallgrimsson said: “We are not jumping for joy today, I think we could have done much better than we did. Obviously it was enough to win and that is a good thing.
“But we know we need to work a lot as a unit, as a group to progress because if we want to qualify for the World Cup, we need to beat teams that are higher-ranked than us and get points from them, and I would say with this performance, we probably wouldn’t.
“But it was enough today and that’s good, and we’ll build on that. It’s good to have a win for the spirit and I think these players need to experience that as often as they can.
“But we’re under no illusion we need to improve.”
If Ferguson’s goal – a close-range header from Mikey Johnston’s inch-perfect cross – proved decisive, it would not have had Kelleher not dived to his right to keep out substitute Joel Pohjanpalo’s second-half penalty, awarded for handball against Ferguson after a VAR review.
Caoimhín Odhrán Kelleher. That is all. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/s9xlad9aq9
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 14, 2024
That provided the Liverpool keeper with sweet redemption after his error in Athens last month handed Greece a second goal to kill off Ireland’s chances of snatching a draw.
Hallgrimsson said: “He really answered for that today. His all-round performance was really good and I’m so happy, really happy with him.
“Caoimhin, of course, is playing really well at this stage in is career. He’s not conceding goals at his club and I hope he’s going to bring that to Ireland as well.”
Hallgrimsson and his players will head for London with six points from their five fixtures to date and knowing they will finish third in the table regardless of what happens at Wembley, where England need to match Greece’s result in Finland to ensure their return to League A.
Three points in the bag 😎🧤 pic.twitter.com/j8qxr6Qd6X
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 14, 2024
Asked if the game represented a free hit, the Icelander said: “I think even though it’s maybe not fully deserve to go with a clean sheet, it gives us a certain confidence going into the England game.”
Opposite number Markku Kanerva was left to reflect on what might have been as events in Dublin conspired against his team.
He said: “Of course we are not satisfied with the result. We played OK, but that’s not enough, We didn’t score. We had good chances, missed a penalty, a couple of shots against the post and it’s small margins which decides it today.”
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