The Republic of Ireland head into Sunday night’s Nations League clash with Greece looking to build upon a maiden victory in the current edition of the competition against Finland.
Thursday night’s 2-1 League B2 success in Helsinki has raised spirits three games into head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson’s reign, but no-one within the camp is allowing themselves to be carried away ahead of what is certain to be a challenging encounter.
Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the talking points surrounding the game.
Three-sy does it?
STARTING XI | Finland v Ireland
Evan Ferguson, Finn Azaz, Josh Cullen & Liam Scales all come into the starting XI for the UEFA Nations League tie in Helsinki this evening ??
KO is 7.45pm Irish/9.45pm local with Ireland backed by a fantastic travelling support ? pic.twitter.com/ckdVO3p58J
— Ireland Football ⚽️?? (@IrelandFootball) October 10, 2024
In fielding three central defenders in his starting line-up in Helsinki, Hallgrimsson gave his rearguard flexibility. At times, they played as a four with Dara O’Shea operating at right-back, match-winner Robbie Brady on the left and skipper Nathan Collins and Liam Scales teaming up in the middle. However, on paper at least, it was ostensibly a central three of O’Shea, Collins and Scales with Brady and Chiedozie Ogbene, admittedly from an advanced position, playing as wing-backs. That versatility served them well in Finland – it remains to be seen whether or not they can replicate it against the more technically-gifted Greeks.
Striking the balance
Double trouble
Beware Greeks…
High emotions
Για σένα…?️ ??????? vs ?? 1-2 #Baldock #ethnikiomada #2goals pic.twitter.com/3Lxeb5XVQW
— Ethniki Omada (@EthnikiOmada) October 10, 2024
Sometimes football has to take a back seat, and it did so for Greece this week following the news of defender George Baldock’s death at the age of just 31. His team-mates did him proud on Thursday night when they beat England 2-1 at Wembley, but Sunday’s game on home soil in Athens is certain to be hugely emotional for head coach Ivan Jovanovic and his players.
