Gary Connaughton reporting from Tallaght Stadium
Ireland have done it!
Vera Pauw's side entered tonight's game knowing that a victory would be enough to secure a World Cup play-off place for the first time, although the three points were far from guaranteed against an excellent Finland side.
The visitors certainly had the better of the opening exchanges, although 'The Girls in Green' slowly grew into the game.
In the end, a brilliant header from Lily Agg would be the difference between the sides as Ireland ran out as 1-0 winners.
Here's how we rated the performances on the night. Play-offs, here we come!
Ireland player ratings vs Finland
Courtney Brosnan - 8
Flapped at an early corner to give Finland an incredible chance, which was cleared off the line. However, she more than made up for it with a stunning save to keep the teams level just before the half hour mark.
Brosnan was supremely confident, looking solid whenever Finland did apply the pressure. Her ability to sweep up in behind proved crucial during yet another excellent performance.
Diane Caldwell - 7
Making a couple of big challenges at the back, Caldwell also looked like a threat in the opposition penalty area.
Caldwell linked up brilliantly with her playing partners at the back, especially in the second half as they offered little encouragement to Finland.
Louise Quinn - 9
A real leader at the back, Quinn dominated in the air right from the first minute. She organised the Irish defence and was an absolute brick wall. Whatever the Finns threw at her was quickly returned.
Quinn has been incredible throughout the campaign, with his just the latest example. A superb player.
Megan Connolly - 8
Made a brilliant block right at the start of the game to stop what looked like a certain Finnish goal. Connolly made a couple more vital interventions at the back in the first half.
It was her delivery that provided the assist for Agg's opener, putting in a dangerous cross from the long-ranged dead ball. When Finland attacked late on, she broke up a number of promising moves.
Jamie Finn - 6
Finn struggled to get involved in forward areas, rarely getting into attacking positions. Most of the Finnish attacking play came down her right flank, although she dealt very well with the vast majority of it.
A very harsh booking for time wasting will rule her out of the game in Slovakia next week.
Denise O'Sullivan - 7
Operating in a deeper role than she perhaps would like, O'Sullivan failed to get on much ball in the opening period.
That changed a little bit after halftime, with Ireland improving their ball retention. The North Carolina Courage player wasn't quite the creative force we have become used to seeing, but she was certainly a key contributor.
Ruesha Littlejohn - 6
Littlejohn struggled to make much of an impact on the ball, although she did make a couple of big challenges over the course of the opening half hour or so. Unfortunately, that took its toll as the midfielder went down with injuries on a couple of occasions.
She was forced off with a foot injury just before the interval, being replaced by Lily Agg.
Megan Campbell - 7
Attempted to get the ball forward when in possession, although it rarely found an Irish player. Her throw-ins are a fantastic weapon to have, wreaking havoc in the Finland box.
She nearly caused an own goal just after the interval with another brilliant throw. A very good display.
Jess Ziu - 7
Offered plenty of energy down the right flank but struggled to get involved in the first half.
Ziu threatened to get in behind on a couple of occasions, although the ball wouldn't break her way. The West Ham player did press brilliantly, never allowing Finland to play out from the back.
Katie McCabe - 8
Playing in a more advanced role, McCabe cut a frustrated figure early in the game as Ireland struggled to retain possession.
However, she quickly grew into the game. It was the Arsenal player that got Ireland going in attack, while her set-piece delivery was as exempt as always. She was also unlucky not to find the target with a couple of strong shots from range.
A real captain's performance.
Heather Payne - 8
Didn't get much joy in the early stages, with Finland have the numbers at the back to cut out any long balls played into the channels. Payne had one half chance in the first 45 minutes but it was well saved by the visiting goalkeeper.
The striker did offer more of a threat after the interval, looking far more comfortable on the ball. She was also unlucky not to score after being played in behind around the hour mark after her shot was well saved from a tight angle. A fantastic striker's display.
Substitutes
Lily Agg - 8
Replacing the injured Ruesha Littlejohn, Lily Agg made a stunninf impact off the bench. It was her header that would open the scoring, given Ireland the lead at a vital stage in the game.
Agg was excellent on the ball in the middle third, picking out some lovely passes to bypass the opposition press.
The goal that gave Ireland the lead against Finland. A brilliant header form Lily Agg 💪 #OUTBELIEVE #IRLFIN #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/oL1yHGZRgc
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 1, 2022
Chloe Mustaki - 7
Coming on with 15 minutes to go, Mustaki provided energy down the left flank when it was required.
Lucy Quinn - N/A
Not on long enough to rate.
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