Republic of Ireland heads to a Nations League play-off fixture following 1-0 win over Finland

Eva Osborne

The Republic of Ireland are heading safely to a promotion/relegation play-off after their 1-0 victory over Finland in the Nations League.

Up until now, their only win was a 2-1 victory away from home against Finland back in October.

The team currently sits in third place with six points in their Nations League group, behind England in first place and Greece in second.

Ireland had a goal disallowed 24 minutes in when Evan Ferguson dropped deep and played a through ball for Sammie Szmodics, who rounded the keeper and finished well, The Irish Times reported. However, it was ruled offside.

Ireland went ahead on the cusp of half-time after Ferguson headed in a cross to score his fourth international goal.

Caoimhin Kelleher saved a penalty from Joel Pohjanpalo around 75 minutes into the game after the ball came off Ferguson's arm.

Kelleher got man of the match on RTÉ.

In other Nations League games on Thursday, scorelines were bigger.

England have beaten Greece by three goals to none.

The match between France and Israel ended goalless, while Italy beat Belgium 1-0.

Slovenia and Norway ended 4-1 to Norway and North Macedonia beat Latvia 1-0.