Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher admitted his side rode their luck in defeating Finland, but says the resolve shown indicates the graph is pointing in the right direction.
The Liverpool custodian scooped the player of the match accolade for his 77th-minute penalty heroics to deny Joel Pohjanpalo, and his follow up save, ensured a 1-0 Nations League win at Aviva Stadium.
Evan Ferguson's header on the cusp of half-time proved to be the only goal of the game, though Finland managed to hit the post twice before failing to convert from the penalty spot.
Kelleher has once again impressed on club duty with Liverpool this season in Alisson’s absence. At international level he has also taken his opportunity with Gavin Bazunu out with a long-term injury.
Thou shalt not pass - Caoimhín Kelleher with a terrific double-save from the spot-kick prevents Finland drawing level.
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) November 14, 2024
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His smart dive to his right to save Pohjanpalo shot was a crucial moment in Heimir Hallgrimsson’s charges completing the double over the Finns.
"I looked at the run up and went on instincts then," he told RTÉ Sport. "Thankfully I went the right way."
Asked about a bang to the head in gathering the rebounded shot from the sliding Robin Lod he said: "Yeah, I’m fine. All good."
The 26-year-old conceded the visitors were much sharper in the opening 45 minutes, yet the result moves Ireland to six points after some challenging years in Nations League action.
"Maybe in the first half we rode our luck at times" - Caoimhín Kelleher is a deserved player of the match, but the Cork man also gives refreshingly honest interviews.
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) November 14, 2024
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"In the first half we rode our luck at times," he said. "They had two off the post and we had some good blocks aswell.
"In the second half, other than the penalty, we defended well.
"Maybe in the last few years we would have drawn or lost, but it definitely shows that the group is getting stronger and we’re managing games as well. At the end of the day, the result is the most important thing and clean sheets go a long way to helping that."
