Lacklustre Northern Ireland lose to Finland in blow to Euro 2024 hopes

Northern Ireland could not produce a performance to match the occasion as Michael O’Neill’s first home game back at Windsor Park ended in a 1-0 defeat by Finland. After the 2-0 win against San Marino on Thursday, this was a more sobering night against stronger opposition, and a result that deals a significant blow to hopes of reaching Euro 2024 even at this early stage of the campaign.

Northern Ireland appeared off the pace before Benjamin Källman fired Finland in front with 28 minutes gone and, although the hosts improved while chasing the game, they could not find an equaliser. Dion Charles had a 62nd-minute goal ruled out for handball.

It was hardly the night O’Neill would have been hoping for on his return to a ground where so many memories were made during his first reign. He made only one change, as Jordan Thompson replaced George Saville, with the manager asking the teenagers Shea Charles and Conor Bradley to deliver again following their impressive performances in Serravalle.

That worked insofar that Shea Charles was once again neat and tidy in his use of the ball at the base of midfield, while Bradley was the brightest spark going forward, but there seemed to be a lethargy about Northern Ireland’s display.

They did not truly threaten anything until the 21st minute, with the chance coming from what could have been a costly mistake from the captain, Craig Cathcart. Instead, the Watford defender recovered from a miscontrol to hook the ball away from Norwich striker Teemu Pukki and set Bradley away down the right. The wing-back, on loan at Bolton from Liverpool, then cut the ball back for his club-mate Dion Charles, but Thursday’s goalscorer sent his shot over.

Northern Ireland were allowing Finland too much time on