UEFA Nations League 2020/21: Finland v Ireland – tactical analysis

Although Stephen Kennys Ireland has now gone four games (6.5 hours) without finding the back of the net, it is a testament to his coaching that the Irish players still look an improving side in and out of possession from game to game. Perhaps a frustrating statistic, the boys in green have had a superior xG in each of their last three games they have failed to score, let alone, win.

The final score of the UEFA Nations League Group H clash reflected Finland 1-0 Ireland, yet the xG rating had both sides at 1.27 to 1.33 respectively. Finland also looks an improving side under Markku Kanerva, grinding out results with attractive football and showing an ability to adapt for more formidable opposition.

It was a result dictated by both goalkeepers, Irelands Darren Randolph made a passing error playing out from the back which gifted Finland their goal. At the same time, Finlands Lukáš Hrádecký made some crucial saves in the second half to maintain his sides clean sheet on the way to victory.

The tactical analysis below covers the most prominent aspects of both managers tactics, as well as key talking points across the 90+ minutes. Also, with the support of key data, our analysis highlights where both sides succeeded and where they may find the opportunity to improve.

Lineups

Finland: 4-4-2
Kanerva makes three changes to the side that beat Bulgaria this past week. In keeping with a 4-4-2, Finlands central midfielders Glen Kamara and Tim Sparv controlled the tempo of the game from the middle. Both full-backs and wide midfielders combined well in the channel to unlock the Irish defence and create goal-scoring opportunities.

The centre-forward pairing of Teemu Pukki and Fredrick Jensen of Bundesliga side Augsburg played well together. They were rotating well, receiving the ball between the lines while engineering dangerous chances from the transition to attack.

Ireland: 4-2