Ireland U21s v Finland U21s, Digi Mart USA News: Ireland’s Men’s Under-21 team travel to Tampere, Finland, for the first leg of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship Play-Off on Friday, November 13. The Boys in Green enter the tie in strong form after winning their last four qualifying games, a run that carried them into the Play-Offs.
Finland also secured their Play-Off place with a win over Spain. The Finns scored 34 goals in qualifying and conceded just seven, making them a strong opponent for the young Irish side.
Head Coach Jim Crawford said the squad understands the task ahead and knows how good Finland are.
Exeter City and former Cobh Ramblers midfielder Charlie Cummins has travelled with the squad after Ike Orazi was ruled out through injury this week. All players were available for training ahead of the match, which is expected to be played in wintery conditions with temperatures just above freezing.
Goalkeeper Noah Jauny said the mood in camp has been very positive, which he linked to recent wins. Crawford stressed that the first leg is only half of the tie, with the second leg still to come, and that the players need to understand that.
The match is scheduled to be played at Tammelan Stadion, Tampere, with kick-off at 4.15pm Irish time (6.15pm local time). Referee Christian-Petru Ciochirca from Austria is in charge, and the game will be broadcast live on Virgin Media Two and is available on Virgin Media Sport.
