Oct 12,2024
No disrespect to friendlies against New Zealand, Andorra and the United States, but as comeback victories go they're not monumental.
Finland may rank two places below the Republic of Ireland but last night felt like a must-win Nations League encounter, so to fight back and win was vital and significant.
Discounting those three friendlies, the last time Ireland came back to win a competitive game after conceding first was Kazakhstan in October 2013. Evan Ferguson was eight when Noel King's two-game reign was rounded off with a 3-1 World Cup qualifier win at Aviva Stadium.
Ireland's win, while not perfect, offers a glimmer of hope after what has been a poor start to the Nations League campaign.
Defensive lapses still exist, but the team’s reaction to adversity was commendable.
The tweak to the formation with a back four, Sammie Szmodics’ energy and creativity from the left and the return to match sharpness of Ferguson suggest that there is a foundation to build upon.
Despite the early struggles with conceding in such a poor manner, this performance showed some tactical changes and individual brilliance, as well as moments of vulnerability that still haunt the side.
Heimir Hallgrímsson's team selection had caused pre-match uncertainty, with many predicting a back three.
Instead, the team lined up with a back four, featuring Dara O’Shea as the right-back alongside Nathan Collins, Liam Scales and Robbie Brady at left back. Chiedozie Ogbene positioned higher up the pitch, offering width on the right wing.
Szmodics operated on the left, making room for the surprising inclusion of Finn Azaz, playing just behind Ferguson.
This set-up seemed to give Ireland stability and they looked comfortable for most of the game within this system.
The first 15 minutes were cagey, with both sides content to hold possession without applying real pressure.
Then, disaster struck for Collins. In a lapse of concentration, Collins gifted Finland’s Joel Pohjanpalo the opener.
A sloppy back pass allowed the in-form Finnish striker to intercept and calmly slot the ball past Caoimhín Kelleher.
Pohjanpalo, who has struck early form for Venezia in Serie A, took his chance with a clinical precision. As far as gifts go for a striker, this was as generous as it gets.
Ireland's heads could have dropped after such a setback, especially considering their recent run of poor results.
However, the team regrouped and managed large spells of possession for the remainder of the first half, albeit without causing Finland too many problems.
Azaz and Ogbene were quiet. Szmodics provided some flashes of creativity, linking up with Ferguson on occasion, who found himself surrounding by two or three defenders any time he got close to the box, but Ireland lacked a cutting edge.
The second half saw much improvement in Ireland's play.
From the restart, the team played with greater urgency, the press being a lot better.
Jason Knight began to exert more influence in midfield, getting a shot at goal from distance at the beginning of the second half while Josh Cullen played a key role in breaking up Finland's play.
His willingness to win the ball and keep the team ticking over allowed Ireland to apply more pressure on the Finnish backline.
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Ireland’s equaliser (above) came in the 56th minute, and it was created from an increase in urgency in our attack that finally unlocked the Finnish defence.
Ogbene, who was unusually quiet in the first half, beat his man and won a free kick on the right-hand side.
Brady, whipped in a ball that was inch perfect for Scales, who rose highest to direct a header into the top corner, marking his first international goal and capping off an inspiring personal journey.
With the match at 1-1, both teams made changes that swung the momentum in different directions.
Finland introduced fresh legs, looking to stretch the game, while Hallgrímsson turned to Jamie McGrath and Troy Parrott - creating the opportunity for Szmodics to play more centrally.
It didn’t seem to work, and Finland had their greatest spell and all the momentum once the subs were made, credit to Hallgrimsson who made further subs to try and get a grip on the game again by introducing Adam Idah and Festy Ebosele.
What happened next can only be described as the bit of luck this Ireland side has been missing for some time.
Benjamin Kallman rose highest at the back post from a Finnish wide free kick after only being introduced to the game and met the cross with a header that looked like it was about to nestle into the bottom corner, the replay showing the bounce of the ball guiding his effort just slightly away from the target.
One minute later and it’s Ireland on the attack in the final third, Ebosele delivered a cross from the right, after showing a bit of creativity and there, at the back post, was Robbie Brady.
Our left back, who had earlier provided the assist for Scales’ equaliser, showed his class once again, calmly controlling the ball before rifling it into the net.
The scenes that followed were jubilant, a reminder of Brady’s knack for stepping up when his country needs him most.
There will be tougher tests ahead, with Greece looming on Sunday.
Yet, for now, this result provides Ireland with a moment to savour, a break from the cloud of negativity that has surrounded the team.
Ireland deserved the win last night, we passed the ball better and showed promise at times, but the real test will be sustaining this momentum.
For Hallgrímsson and his players, the message is clear: enjoy the moment, but there's more work to be done.
