2023 Fifa World Cup qualifying Group A: Republic of Ireland v Finland (tonight, Tallaght Stadium, 7pm – live on RTE2)
AFTER the disappointment of missing out on this summer’s European Championships, the Republic of Ireland can move a step closer to next year’s World Cup when they take on Finland tonight.
The 8,000-capacity Tallaght Stadium sold out within minutes of tickets going on sale for a game where victory would guarantee a play-off berth, with Vera Pauw’s side currently occupying second spot in Group A behind runaway leaders Sweden and just ahead of the Fins.
Indeed, even a draw would leave the Republic well-placed to make the play-offs with only one group game left to play – away to Slovakia on Tuesday.
They would love to get the job done at the first time of asking of course, but face a major challenge against a Finland side on a revenge mission that, if successful, would force them right back into the World Cup qualification frame.
Back in October 2021 the Republic came away from Helsinki with a crucial 2-1 victory, a Megan Connolly free-kick after 10 minutes putting them ahead before Adelina Engman struck the Finnish equaliser after the break.
The Republic regained the lead almost immediately through Denise O'Sullivan when she headed home at the back post, and it was a lead they kept a hold of, thanks largely to a string of outstanding saves from ’keeper Courtney Brosnan.
That was a crucial win that has helped put the Republic in pole position for a play-off spot, but Pauw is under no illusions about the size of the task facing her side tonight.
"I see that this is a big, big game and it will be very difficult to get a result,” said the Dutchwoman, who is without the injured quartet of Savannah McCarthy, Aoife Colvill, Rianna Jarrett and Kyra Carusa.
“The situation is completely different to the first game. I hope you remember that we scored early [in Helsinki] and I hope you remember how we have played under pressure later in the game.
"Finland was the better team away, and we stole the points over there. The thing is that, this is their last chance. They will not underestimate us, and we have to know where we stand. They just played the Euros, they have three major games in their legs at this moment, with a rest period in between.
"It is a really hard game but we will be ready and we will do everything we can to get a result."
