Four years have passed since the Republic of Ireland Under-21s suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Israel in Tel Aviv during a previous European Championship play-off, according to rte.ie.
Jim Crawford remained in charge since succeeding Stephen Kenny in April 2020, chasing a first-ever qualification for the tournament at this grade.
“The training has been very good this week and the players know what is expected of those,” Crawford said, as reported by the Football Association of Ireland. “They’ve earned the right to be here and we know how good Finland are.”
Ireland secured their play-off place by winning their final four qualifying matches, overcoming Slovakia, Kazakhstan twice, and group winners England. Meanwhile, Finland finished second in their group behind Spain, despite defeating the group winners 2-1 in September, The Irish Times reported.
Hibernian squad members join the Under-21 team
Hibernian forward Owen Elding joins the Under-21 squad rather than the senior setup, alongside Serie B defender Matteo Egan from Empoli. Midfielder Jacob Devaney returns to training following an ankle injury that kept him out of Hibernian’s previous five league matches.
The full squad also features goalkeepers Noah Jauny, Owen Mason and Conor Walsh; defenders Adam Brennan, Oisin Gallagher, Sean Grehan, Cathal McCarthy, Conor McManus, Alex Murphy and David Okagbue; midfielders Romeo Akachukwu, Rory Finneran, Darius Luipsic and Jamie Mullins; and forwards Gbemi Arbui, Leon Ayinde, Trent Kone Doherty, Kian McMahon Brown and Tommy Lonergan.
Exeter City midfielder Charlie Cummins joined the traveling squad after the Football Association of Ireland confirmed Ike Orazi was ruled out due to an injury picked up during the week. Temperatures at Tammelan Stadion are expected to hover near freezing for the 4.15pm kickoff.
“The vibe in camp has been very good and very positive and that comes from winning games,” said Ireland goalkeeper Noah Jauny, according to the Football Association of Ireland. “It’s always exciting to come into camp anyway but when you’ve an opportunity like we have it makes these games extra special.”
Austrian officials lead the match and Virgin Media Two broadcasts it
Austrian referee Christian-Petru Ciochirca will officiate the match, assisted by countrymen Maximilian Weiss and Michael Obritzberger, with Jakob Semler acting as fourth official. Virgin Media Two will broadcast the fixture live in Ireland, with kickoff set for 4.15pm Irish time and 6.15pm local time.
“What we know is come full-time on Friday evening it’s half-time in the tie so that’s important for the players to understand,” Crawford told the Football Association of Ireland.
Questions about the match time, officials and squad changes
When and where is the first leg taking place?
The match takes place on Friday at Tammelan Stadion in Tampere, Finland, with kickoff scheduled for 4.15pm Irish time.
Who are the match officials for the fixture?
An all-Austrian officiating team led by referee Christian-Petru Ciochirca takes charge of the game, with Maximilian Weiss and Michael Obritzberger serving as assistant referees.
Why did Charlie Cummins join the squad?
Ike Orazi missed out on the squad due to an injury sustained during the week, prompting Exeter City midfielder Charlie Cummins to be drafted into the traveling party.
How can supporters watch the match?
Virgin Media Two provides live television coverage of the first leg in Tampere.
“At the start of the week, there was a little bit of noise about it,” Crawford said regarding speculation linking assistant coach Stephen O’Donnell to a managerial vacancy.
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