Republic of Ireland vs Finland

Ireland take on Finland in a crunch World Cup qualifier this Thursday. Here's all you need to know about the match.

We’re in the middle of a qualification campaign, maybe you feel it’s the end, but to me it’s the middle. They’re a very good team that were in the Euros. There is at least, in my feeling, we need to win this next game, then we have the game against Slovakia and then hopefully we have play-offs in October, and then we might need to go in February to New Zealand. This is what the World Cup qualification campaign, Vera Pauw’s managerial reign and everything good that’s happened since the players’ strike has been leading up to." And Sean O'Connor has looked back at the last play-off Ireland were involved in, when they faced Iceland over two legs for a spot at Euro 2009. "Destiny’s giddy embrace awaits Ireland in the familiar warmth of an expectant Tallaght.

A win tonight would seal a World Cup qualifying play-off spot for Vera Pauw's side.

Such a result would bring Ireland one step closer to their first-ever major tournament. Ireland create an encouraging attack as Heather Payne attempts a cross towards the Finland goal. Vital interception from Megan Connolly to put the ball out for a corner. Denise O’Sullivan gets on the ball but credit to Finland, they surround her and force a turnover. McCabe gets a word from the referee after a slightly over zealous tackle but there’s not much in it. Ireland try to release Payne down the middle but her path is blocked off. Brosnan continues with the kickout. It results in a corner which McCabe takes. Finland have brought the pace of the game down slightly after a good patch from Ireland. Another corner and this time it’s Connolly who comes up to take it. Brosnan to the rescue after a shot takes a deflection off Campbell. But there’s too much air under the kick and it sails over the crossbar.

The game will be shown live on RTE 2, where coverage starts at 6.30pm. The match will also be available to stream for free via the RTE Player. Betting odds.

Promoted Stories A win means Ireland will earn a play off to the World Cup. Ireland welcome Finland to Tallaght Stadium and won the away game earlier in the campaign.

Live updates from Tallaght Stadium as Ireland face into their critical World Cup qualifier against Finland.

Ideally, the Slovakia game won't be especially consequential, if Ireland can hold out here. Rantala has just dinked a rather hopeful cross in the general direction of no one - except for Courtney Brosnan who can scamper out to claim. Jess Ziu is booked for somewhat needlessly booting the ball away, the affronted looking French official swiftly brandishing a yellow.