Republic of Ireland
Greece
Gibraltar
Netherlands 2
France 2
Nigeria 0
Canada 2
FIFA Women's World Cup
1 Sep 2022 19:00
Republic of Ireland 1 - 0 Finland
With a record crowd of 6.952 in full voice, Ireland raised their performance when it was needed and got the only goal of the game through substitute Lily Agg.
Sweden had already topped Group A so it was a fight for second spot and Finland, who are the second seeds, started this contest looking the most likely to score first.
However, goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan was in superb form and the Ireland backline did its job by making crucial blocks and interceptions at key moments.
A injiury picked up by Ruesha Littlejohn forced a change with Agg coming on for her home debut. The London City Lionesses midfielder slotted straight into the action but her most telling contribution came in the second half.
On 54 minutes, Agg rose up in the Finland penalty area to meet a crossed ball with a neat header. It was a goal that hit the away team hard, made the crowd erupt and put Ireland in control.
Heather Payne could have added to that lead but failed to convert a chance, while Katie McCabe was a constant threat and Diane Caldwell went close in the first half.
But it was Agg's goal that provied to be the difference. Ireland will now finish their Group A campaign away to Slovakia on September 6th before switching their focus to the Play-Offs.
Republic of Ireland: Courtney Brosnan; Jamie Finn, Diane Caldwell, Louise Quinn, Megan Connolly, Megan Campbell (Chloe Mustaki 75); Jess Ziu (Lucy Quinn, 85), Denise O’Sullivan, Ruesha Littlejohn (Lily Agg 40), Katie McCabe; Heather Payne.
Finland: Tinja-Riika Korpela; Elli Pikkujämsä (Jenny-Julia Danielsson 73), Anna Westerlund, Natalia Kuikka, Emma Koivisto; Olga Ahtinen, Eveliina Summanen, Heidi Kollanen (Sanni Franssi 67); Jutta Rantala, Linda Sällström.
Referee: Stéphanie Frappart (France).
