'We need to improve' - Heimir Hallgrimsson feels Finland performance not good enough for World Cup qualifying campaign

Heimir Hallgrimsson was happy with the victory, however, the manager was far from impressed with his side's overall performance as Ireland beat Finland 1-0 at Aviva Stadium.

The result served its purpose, however, as Ireland cemented their third place finish in the group to send Finland down to the third tier of the Nations League, while Hallgrimsson’s side will now partake in a two-legged play-off with a League C runner-up to maintain their second-level status.

And the manager conceded that psychologically it was a welcome win for the players, while giving the long-suffering home support something to celebrate.

There was a real sense of the old school about how Ireland lined up at kick-off on what turned out to be a mild, yet misty November night for the final home fixture of 2024.

A classic 4-4-2 formation and a throw back to the good old days with a flat back four, two combative midfielders, a couple of lively lads out wide with two up top, one big and brawny, one small and slick.

And there was an energy from the outset as both flanks were utilised with Matt Doherty – back in from the cold – and Festy Ebosele patrolling the right side, while Callum O’Dowda and Mikey Johston were working the left.

But despite Ireland’s bright start, there was not too much to cheer about in the final third, while set-piece delivery and execution left a lot to be desired.

In fact, it was Finland who were showing the quality in and around the box once they got going midway through the half, and they would continue to dominate, seizing on some sloppy play to work a range of chances on goal.

The woodwork would save Ireland on two occasions throughout that opening 45 minutes, while a remarkably header just dropped the wrong side of the post on