After a positive opening, the best chance of the first-half came to Finland when Norwich striker Teemu Pukki found himself in plenty of space. He went one-on-one with Darren Randolph, but the Ireland keeper made an impressive save.
At half time, an even first half saw both teams head into the break all square.
Moments after being introduced as a second-half substitute, Frederick Jensen scored for Finland with his first touch after he converted a slide ball from Robert Taylor at the back post.
64' | 🇮🇪 0-1 🇫🇮 Goal Finland
Substitute Fredrik Jensen slides in at the back post to put the visitors ahead.#COYBIG | #IRLFIN pic.twitter.com/Po78vZIsDM— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) September 6, 2020
After the goal, Callum Robinson, David McGoldrick, and Shane Duffy all had chances for Ireland, but they failed to find the back of the net.
With 10 minutes to go, Ireland was left hunting for an equaliser that never came.
The defeat means that Ireland are joint-bottom in the group with Bulgaria, five points behind leaders Wales.
80' | 🇮🇪 0-1 🇫🇮
10 minutes to go! Ireland are hunting for the equaliser.
James McClean is now on.#COYBIG | #IRLFIN pic.twitter.com/oj0iPFzB5d— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) September 6, 2020
Stephen Kenny named a young side for Ireland's match against Finland with an international debut for Brighton midfielder Jayson Molumby.
Three changes were made from the team’s game against Bulgaria, with Harry Arter and Robbie Brady also coming into the side.
In his first game in charge against Bulgaria, Stephen Kenny went for a mix of youth and experience, managing to get a draw after a late header from captain Shane Duffy made it 1-1 at full time.
Their group opponents Wales beat Finland last Thursday 1-0 away from home and this afternoon they beat Bulgaria 1-0.
Meanwhile, Ireland's next game will be a Euro2020 playoff semi-final away to Slovakia on October 8th.
