Ireland brace for fight as Finns come seeking revenge

A year that started with uncertainty, the Republic of Ireland have a chance to finish out the 2024 schedule on a positive note as they welcome Finland to the Aviva Stadium for tonight's Nations League encounter.

Managerless in January and in FIFA rankings freefall, the national team finally found a new head coach, following a brief John O’Shea stint in the interim, as Heimir Hallgrimsson was appointed during the summer.

Thrown straight into competitive action, the Icelander opted for a back seat in September, allowing the aforementioned O’Shea, who remained in a coaching role, and Paddy McCarthy to prepare the teams for two home games against England and Greece.

And the new manager was soon well versed on the size of the task in hand as two Lansdowne Road defeats soon showed Hallgrimsson the reasons behind the team's continuing downward spiral.

On the road in October, Helsinki brought joy with a hard-fought win, but the momentum could not be maintained and the team were outplayed in Athens, notably in the opening 45 minutes before finishing the night off with another gift of a goal in concession.

Now, at least, a chance to show that the team is capable of beating those of similar rankings as they look to make it a double over Finland – a result that would ensure Ireland avoid automatic relegation from League B.

For Finland, it is a must-win game to remain competitive going into Sunday’s final round of games, and as a result, it sets things up to be a lively affair at the Aviva.

Ireland took the three points in Finland, and their strong finish to the game was rewarded by Robbie Brady’s late, late winner. However, there really was not too much between the teams on the night.

In fact, with the game finely poised midway through the