Ireland vs. Finland 9/6/20 UEFA Nations League Soccer Pick, Odds, and Prediction

Ireland is welcoming Finland to Aviva Stadium in round 2 in the UEFA Nations League.

Ireland has been playing well, and we will be watching Ireland trying to qualify for the Euro Cup in the Qualifications playoffs against Slovakia. Ireland just fell short in the qualifications, and they ended in third place in their group. In their match against Bulgaria a few days ago, Ireland was the better team with 63% of ball possession, 3 shots on goal, 5 corner kicks, 1 big chance created, and a solid 87% of the correct passes. After falling behind in the 56th minute, Ireland was constantly pressuring Bulgaria, and that pressure paid off in the 93rd minute when Ireland tied the score. This match ended in a 1-1 draw. Shane Duffy was the goalscorer for Ireland, while Robbie Brady assisted. Ireland is getting the job done, and they are in a good form, but they are still missing a little bit more offense so that they don’t need to chase their opponents all the time. Ireland is good, and I like these smaller teams getting a chance of qualifying for the big tournament, and I think Ireland’s chances of getting to the Euro Cup.

Finland has been playing really well in the qualifications, and thanks to that, we will be watching Finland in the Euro Cup next year. Finland has good but not great players, but more importantly, Finland is a fantastic team where each player always gives his all on the field. In their last game against Wales just a few days ago, Finland was a slightly better team with 53% of ball possession, 3 corner kicks, 86% of the correct passes, but 0 shots on goal. Finland has lost this match 0-1 at home. The most known players in Finland are probably Pukki who was playing in the EPL last season and has scored quite a lot of goals, and Pohjanpalo who is playing for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Finland is in for them good group in the Nations League with Wales, Ireland, and Bulgaria, and they will certainly compete for one of the top 2 spots in the group. Despite Finland being a great team, I can’t say that I expect a good result from them in the Euro Cup next year because they are in Group B with Denmark, Belgium, and Russia, all fantastic teams that are playing good soccer on both ends, and scoring a decent amount of goals. I love that Finland has qualified for the Euro Cup because we don’t see them in the major tournament often, but I think that will be their biggest success. Good Luck, Finland.

Ireland and Finland have never met before. I think this will be a tough game for both teams because neither Ireland nor Finland is overly offensive teams. I will definitely stay away from goals in this matchup, and even though I give a slight advantage to Ireland at home, I will pick a draw here.