Caoimhin Kelleher made a brilliant penalty save against Finland but some Republic of Ireland fans felt that Nathan Collins should have won man-of-the-match.
Ireland defeated Finland 1-0 in the Nations League on Thursday night with a goal from Evan Ferguson on the stroke of half-time making the difference.
Heimir Hallgrimsson's side rode their luck at times with the away team hitting the post twice before missing a penalty-kick, with Ireland holding on for a morale boosting win, booking their place in a Nations League promotion/relegation play-off.
Ireland thought they'd hit the front early on in the game when Sammie Szmodics took an Evan Ferguson through ball around the keeper before slotting home, only for the offside flag to go up.
Finland were in the ascendency from then until the break with Ireland's goal coming against the run of play, after some trickery from Mikey Johnston and a fine cross. Evan Ferguson rose highest to head home his fourth goal for Ireland.
The goal that has us in front... Evan Ferguson rises high for his fourth international goal!#COYBIG | #IRLFIN pic.twitter.com/er9rMuAOna
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 14, 2024
Ireland were severely under the cosh after the break with Finland chasing an equaliser but while the chances came, Nathan Collins and Liam Scales helped to keep them at bay.
Collins in particular made block after block, diverting one goal-bound shot off the post in a brilliant defensive display.
Ronnie Whelan gave the man-of-the-match award to Caoimhin Kelleher on the back of his fine penalty save but a number of Republic of Ireland fans felt Collins was more deserving, having made numerous last-ditch blocks and clearing headers.
A shocking call for Man of the Match for Ireland. Decent save from Caoimhin Kelleher but Nathan Collins has had block after block all night. Poor call from Ronnie Whelan #IRLFIN #NationsLeague
— Niall McGrath (@niallmcgrath4) November 14, 2024
The Republic of Ireland are back in action this Sunday taking on England in Wembley, hoping for a better result than the reverse fixture which went England's way, 2-0 back in September.
