The Republic can seal the World Cup knockout game with Finland’s victory
2023 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group A: Ireland v Finland (today, Tallaght Stadium, 7pm – live on RTE2)
AFTER the disappointment of missing out on this summer’s European Championships, Ireland can move a step closer to next year’s World Cup when they take on Finland tonight.
The 8,000-capacity Tallaght Stadium was sold out within minutes of tickets going on sale for the game, where a win would guarantee a place in the play-offs. Vera Pauw’s team is currently in second place in Group A, behind runaway leader Sweden and just ahead of the Finns.
In fact, even a draw would leave the Republic in a good position to qualify for the playoffs, with only one group game remaining – away to Slovakia on Tuesday.
Of course, they would like to get the job done the first time, but they face a big challenge against a Finn on a revenge mission who, if successful, would force them back into the World Cup qualifying frame.
Back in October 2021, Republic advanced from Helsinki with a decisive 2-1 win, Megan Connolly’s free-kick after 10 minutes putting them in the lead before Adelina Engman struck Finland’s equalizer after the break.
The Republic took the lead almost immediately through Denise O’Sullivan as she headed home at the back post and it was a lead they would hold on to thanks in large part to some brilliant saves from goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan.
It was a crucial win that has helped the Republic climb into pole position for a play-off spot, but Pauw is under no illusions about the size of the task his side face tonight.
“I can see that this is a big, big game and it will be very difficult to get a result,” said the Dutchman, who will be without the injured quartet of Savannah McCarthy, Aoife Colvill, Rianna Jarrett and Kyra Carusa.
“It’s completely different to the first game. I hope you remember we scored early [in Helsinki] and I hope you remember how we have played under pressure later in the game.
“Finland were the better team away and we took the points from there. The thing is, this is their last chance. They don’t underestimate us and we have to know where we are. They only played the European Championships, they are three big games at the moment legs with a rest period in between.
– This is a really tough game, but we are ready and we will do everything to get a result.