Republic of Ireland V Finland - Sunday, September 6th - 2020 - UEFA Nations League

[passinginterest]

Not disappointed to see a fresh midfield. The system they’re trying to implement is very hard on the three in the middle work rate wise too. Never been convinced by Brady in a central position, but we know he’ll have a clearly defined role this time so will be interesting to see how he copes.

Agree re: O’Dowda, though his position might have been vulnerable, I’ve been more impressed by him in other appearances than the other night, but then again he was given man of the match.

Presumably McGoldrick will get some time, I wonder will he look to give Coleman and McClean some time as the other experienced squad members who haven’t been seen yet?

[Bielsa´s irish]

my very good people, any proper links to watch it for free online?

[swinfordfc]

Cut wide open there .. midfield is a problem!

[passinginterest]

Fins certainly a step up. We started bright but since the first 5 minutes they’ve looked the better side. Exploiting the spaces around our back four that Bulgaria exposed at times. Interesting to see if we can adapt.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Not up to much so far. Serious lack of ideas in the final third. Labouring a bit when on the ball and off it. Finns look very good in contrast.

[passinginterest]

Idah is such a frightening prospect in full flight. I think he’s going to be a superstar if he stays injury free for a few years. Much better from us last ten or fifteen minutes without the clear cut chance coming.

[Insidetherock]

I know its a new system and players are rusty, but we are leaving some serious space in the middle of the box.. could easily be a coupld down

[Insidetherock]

And can Enda Stevens judge how hard he's kicking a ball ffs.. crossing, through balls, etc, not just a few yards long, but twenty yards long

[Olé Olé]

Molumby looks nervous. But glimpses of quality.

[Scrufil]

Game is as dull as dish water.

[passinginterest]

I think "frustrating half" from the commentary sums it up. Bright first 5 mins the a really shaky 15 when Pukki should have scored. The Fins did their homework. Going forward the used the wing backs the stretch our midfield then played into the space as the back four gpt stretched. Took us a while to figure it out but I thought from 30 mins we were much better.

Did their homework defensively too and haven't given Connolly an inch to get turned or in behind. Ref not giving him anything soft either. Some flashed of nice play and some better balls into the box might have created clear chances. Best was the pullback from O'Dowda where Brady just stopped his run too early.

Doherty is frustrating the life out of me, and probably himself, nothing seems to be working for him. Arter and Molumby pretty industrious, Brady with little flashes but I think he's part of the vulnerability defensively in the middle.

Idah did well a few times and looks so dangerous the rare chances he gets going towards the Fins goal. Again there's signs of promise but needs a bit more speed of thought and action.

[Eirambler]

Still don't understand how O'Dowda won MoM the last night and he has looked poor tonight also - sorry but I just don't see it with him. He looks to be tripping over Doherty while Idah is being left quite isolated up front at the same time.

I think Doherty's instincts to go forward mean that we need more of a forward player than a midfielder in that right wing position - I'd look to get Long on over there soon enough.

I think I prefer this midfield to the midfield that played against Bulgaria overall. Finland are definitely a step up from Bulgaria but they are doing OK.

Hopefully get McGoldrick on soon enough after half time as well, no point in waiting until 75 minutes in to make the changes.

[brine3]

Thursday's midfield was better at holding on to the ball

[elatedscum]

Still not convinced Idah is ready for this level yet, think he needs another 6 months. Hopefully McGoldrick will make an appearance soon enough.

Connolly hasn’t really got into it, has been deprived of space. Doherty also hasn’t really gotten into the game

Midfielders have been an improvement on the previous 3 and have been busier and more energetic. The Finns have been more open than Bulgaria which also helps... Saying that, overall as a team, it’s still far too slow. You’re never gonna create chances when you give the opposition all that time to set their shape and get players back behind the ball...

[centre mid]

Better start to the 2nd half, wish Brady would stop trying a killer ball everytime.

[passinginterest]

Disappointing to concede. Generally playing much better second half. Robinson suits Doherty much better on the right. We look far more dangerous and Doherty is getting more involved. Hopefully we can take some of these chances soon.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Three great chances in a row. Lack of killer instinct is a real problem.

[passinginterest]

Midfield looks very tired now too. Probably needs to make the third change to get some fresh legs in there. Brady seems to be done. Maybe Hendrick to come in.

[boovidge]

both games we've looked better with Robinson on

[tommy_c12000]

For me, O’Dowda needs to do something at club level before getting another chance. He’s poor. Brady still way off the pace, whether he rediscovers his remote form remains to be seen. Idah needs 12 months of regular football before being seriously considered, he’s not up to the level currently. Frustrating watch. A lot of work for Kenny to do