After another match for Stephen Kenny without a win, twitter supporters were vocal about their frustrations at the lack of goals for the Republic of Ireland.
The boys in green lost 1-0 to hosts Finland in their Nations League B encounter on Wednesday.
Heading into the game, the focus for the visitors would have been to score goals.
As some supporters pointed out, Kenny's tenure with the boys in green has only resulted in one goal in his four matches up until today's match.
Right lads. A goal. That’d be a start. A goal. Maybe two? Either way, COME ON IRELAND!!!!! #COYBIG
— Simon Delaney (@SimonDelaneyEsq) October 14, 2020
Ireland v Finland is on in 25 minutes. A 0-0 draw is 4/1. That’s like buying money! #COYBIG 🇮🇪
— Rob Smith (@robsmithireland) October 14, 2020
Stephen Kenny's first 5 games as Irish manager:
W 0 D 2 L 3 GD -2
Mick McCarthy's first 5 games as Irish manager:
W 0 D 1 L 4 GD -7
🤔🤔🤔🤔 https://t.co/KgrDdU3b7l— Rob O'Hanrahan (@RobOHanrahan) October 14, 2020
Throughout the match, Ireland put together a number of strong plays and showed definite intent to score goals.
Kenny's chargers were on the front foot for much of the match, and looked in control as the first half came to an end.
Dara O'Shea announces himself on the international stage with a nice clearing header on the halfway line that leaves just the right amount on Jensen - beautifully done. #COYBIG
— Tommy Rooney (@TomasORuanaidh) October 14, 2020
Much as he was at the Aviva Stadium in September, Frederik Jensen was the difference between the sides.
The big Augsburg man capitalised on some sloppy play from goalkeeper Darren Randolph. Teemu Pukki won the ball and played in Jensen who grabbed the only goal of the game.
Duffy and Matt Doherty both headed over from Brady set pieces in the final ten minutes as Ireland sought to salvage at least a point from the game.
Finnish goalkeeper Lukas Hadecky was forced into his first meaningful save as the game entered injury-time, denying substitute Ronan Curtis whose header appeared destined for the bottom corner.
Can we just fast-forward to the 85th minute corner? #FINIRL
— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) October 14, 2020
Unbelievable chance that for Ronan Curtis, you really have to commend the save though. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/zRXJwBswqw
— Tommy Rooney (@TomasORuanaidh) October 14, 2020
The lack of goals clearly was the biggest issue for much of supporters, adding to their frustrations with the team.
Shock, horror........ Ireland fail to score, again, can’t understand this shite about the performance, pass all day and there’s no end product. Players aren’t there, get your head out of the sand lads #FINIRL
— Niall McGrath (@niallmcgrath4) October 14, 2020
Frustrating result in Helsinki
FT | Finland 1-0 Ireland
Jensen's goal the difference as Ronan Curtis' header denied in the final minutes #COYBIG | #FINIRL pic.twitter.com/7nnkxtXevC— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) October 14, 2020
Sure, goals are overrated anyway #FINIRL
— Raf Diallo (@RafDLeitrim) October 14, 2020
Despite the result, there are many pundits and former players that have seen the positives in the current system.
Not only do Ireland look more watchable, as they are taking and creating good chances.
Things will turn! Performances have taken marked improvement and the goals will start DEFINITELY start to flow. We’re in a good position going forward. #COYBIG 🇮🇪
— Kevin Kilbane (@kdkilbane77) October 14, 2020
With COVID-19 still being one of the biggest hinderances to international sport, the best news of the night came in the form of the fans being able to attend the match.
Although they were definitely supporting the home side, Irish fans at home were just happy to hear a real crowd again.
So good to see and hear fans in Helsinki tonight! Even though they are routing against Ireland, it's still puts me at ease. #coybig #finirl
— Dave O'Grady (@DaveOGrady1) October 14, 2020
Republic of Ireland will now await Bulgaria in Dublin next month as Kenny continues to search for his first win.
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