Nations League: Republic of Ireland beaten by Finland - reaction

1. Republic of Ireland 0-1 Finland - sub Jensen scores winner
2. ROI drew with Bulgaria in Nations League opener
3. Finland lost to Wales in their opener
4. Wales beat Bulgaria earlier in afternoon
5. Get involved via #bbcfootball or text 81111

Goodbye

And that's all from me today.

The home nations return to Nations League action tomorrow, when Northern Ireland take on Norway and Scotland face the Czech Republic.

Thanks for joining!

'We wanted players to compete for Slovakia place'

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny: "I thought we took a while to adjust, Darren [Randolph] had to make a very good save from [Teemu] Pukki early on - but I felt we were in the ascendancy after that.

"We rallied and probably had four of five very good chances and when you get them you have to take them. We are disappointed to lose the game.

"There's nothing in the games and the ability to take your chances is critical. We wanted to win - the first game at home - of course we wanted to win. We've been experimental, I think that's evident, and we wanted players to put themselves in the picture for Slovakia.

"Some players did quite well and it gives us real food for thought ahead of that game next month."

Elsewhere tonight...

Spain and Germany are among the sides in Nations League action later tonight.

All the following games kick-off at 19:45 BST and you'll be able to find reports on the BBC Sport website later.

• Spain v Ukraine
• Switzerland v Germany
• Kosovo v Greece
• Malta v Latvia

• Serbia v Turkey

Getty Images

We're going to stick around to get Stephen Kenny's reaction to his side's defeat.

Before we hear from him, let's take a look at what else is going on in the Nations League this evening...

The Republic of Ireland are one of six teams to have played at least six Nations League games without winning, along with Lithuania, San Marino, Malta, Latvia & Andorra.

However, for Stephen Kenny's side it's all about a date with Slovakia next month in the Euro 2020 play-off semi-finals.

More from Harry Arter: "From an outside view you can see we are trying to change the style and long term I think it's the way forward.

"We'll be stronger for these past two games. It's a tough ask for this group of players with hardly any pre-season games behind us.

"The young lads coming through have such a bright future and we must make sure they can settle in."

'Hugely disappointing result'

Republic of Ireland midfielder Harry Arter speaking to Sky Sports: "It's hugely disappointing. I felt we didn't deserve to lose the game. We probably didn't do well enough to get a goal but we defended well enough.

"We have to make sure we see out games like that 0-0 if we aren't going to create enough.

"In the attacking areas we could have been better. It's not a criticism of the lads up top, we built up from the back very well but we lacked that killer instinct that we have to get pretty soon."

It turns out Stephen Kenny is the first Republic of Ireland manager to fail to win either of his first two games in charge since Mick McCarthy in 1996.

They've also gone four competitive games without a clean sheet for the first time since June 2015 with this evening's result.

That result sees Wales firmly in control in this Nations League group.

Ryan Giggs' side are on six points after two wins from two, three points ahead of Finland.

The Republic of Ireland remain on one point, alongside Bulgaria who they drew with in their opening match.

FULL-TIME

Yep, it's all over!

A first home game as Republic of Ireland manager ends in a narrow defeat for Stephen Kenny.

It doesn't appear there's going to be any way through for Stephen Kenny's side here. Finland are defending deep and in numbers.

The Republic of Ireland break at pace and have three on four in attack.

David McGoldrick decides to take it on himself though as Finland get men back and the Sheffield United man's low strike from the edge of the box is easily saved.

Finland have everyone back as we enter the final moments of this Nations League encounter.

Is there one more chance for the hosts?

They have four minutes of added time to find a goal.

CLOSE!

A big, big chance for Shane Duffy to be the hero once again for the Republic of Ireland.

Robbie Brady whips in a corner and Duffy out-jumps all but sends his header narrowly over the crossbar.

CLOSE!

It's actually a super save by Darren Randolph to deny Nikolai Alho.

Teemu Pukki finds Alho in acres of space as he arrives unmarked at the edge of the box and the Finland wing-back tries to dip the keeper but Randolph is able to get a finger tip to it and send the ball over the bar.

It's Finland who look the most likely to score next in the closing stages.

This was a bit mad to be fair. It would take most people longer than 19 seconds just to sprint from the bench to the back post where Fredrik Jensen slotted in his goal.

CLOSE!

Teemu Pukki tries his luck from the edge of the box with a quick swivel on the spot, but his shot travels narrowly past Darren Randolph's right post.

Lovely technique from Pukki.

SUBSTITUTION

Meanwhile, Jere Uronen replaces Niko Hamalainen for Finland.

Just over 10 minutes to hold out for the visitors.

SUBSTITUTION

A final change for the hosts sees James McClean replace Aaron Connolly, whose battling performance has been a positive for Stephen Kenny today.

That's the front three swapped out now by boss Kenny.

Get Involved

Jonathan Martin: RoI deserve to be a goal down. No cutting edge at all. Prediction 1 1 by 90 minutes.

Paul: What is wrong with British and Irish national teams? England try to play but are more often than not rubbish and Wales, Scotland and especially the two Irish teams are dull negative bores with no real quality. I'm irish BTW but both Irish teams are awful.