Ireland vs Finland, Women's World Cup Qualifier, RTE2, 7pm k.o.

Mr.Nice Guy

Crucial game coming up in the race for a play-off spot. A win for Ireland will guarantee the spot, while the Finns need to win to keep their hopes alive.

Team news:

https://twitter.com/FAIreland/status/1565376439330844672?cxt=HHwWgMCl4f3kqrkrAAAA

Tallaght Stadium sold out for this, apparently. Hopefully a good night for the team and 3 points and a play-off spot secured.

I'll go for a nervy 1-0 home win.

You were right about the nervy part anyway!

super_furry

They're lucky not to be trailing here - look very much like the occasion is getting to them. Signs of life in the last few minutes but they're much better than this.

Mars Bar

Half time probably coming at the wrong time for Ireland. Been much better in the last 10. Should have finished the header to take the lead

Mr.Nice Guy

Finland the better side for most of the half but more encouraging towards the end. The Finns look uncomfortable dealing with crosses into the box.

Mr.Nice Guy

1-0! Agg with the header. Need to keep getting these balls into the box as they look vulnerable.

Mars Bar

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119556265#Comment_119556265

My stream is very far behind. McCabe is still on the floor 😂

Mars Bar

Great header!

Mushy

Their keeper was awful for it, as well as the defence. Wide open and keeper just left an open goal

Mr.Nice Guy

Full-time and Ireland get the win. Great to be in the play-off draw next Friday.

Bleating Lamb

Great result,performance wasn't great but doesn't matter now.

mjsc1970

Not long back from the game. It was a nervy last few minutes. Thought the game was pretty even overall. Still, was a great atmosphere to soak up. They did us proud. Fair do's.

Mr.Nice Guy

It seems results around Europe tonight worked well for Ireland's hopes of going straight into the play-off 2nd round. The top three 2nd placed teams avoid going into the first round. Tonight, Norway beat Belgium and Portugal beat Serbia.

Austria can still pip Ireland but they have a tricky game tomorrow at home to England. If I'm understanding it right, an England win over Austria and Ireland beating Slovakia on Tuesday will cement Ireland's spot in the play-off second round. The rankings are here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_FIFA_Women%27s_World_Cup_qualification_%E2%80%93_UEFA_play-offs

Mr.Nice Guy

England have done Ireland a favour, beating Austria 2-0. It means if Ireland win in Slovakia on Tuesday, we get a bye to the play-off final.