The Republic of ireland need to be very careful they don't get caught out as they chase an equaliser, certainly with Teemu Pukki lurking.

John Egan makes an important sliding challenge to beat Pukki to the ball. The hosts are looking increasingly stretched...

End to end stuff now!

Darren Randolph does well to deny Teemu Pukki as Finland look to extend their advantage.

Stephen Kenny meanwhile is urging his team forward from the sidelines.

It's been a good response from the hosts to falling behind.

Callum Robinson's attempt is stopped by Finland goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky as the hosts begin to up the tempo in search of an equaliser, moments after David McGoldrick also saw a shot blocked.

Much more urgency about Stephen kenny's side now as you'd expect.

David McGoldrick is on for Adam Idah as the hosts chase a way back into the game with just over 20 minutes remaining.

That took 19 seconds for Fredrik Jensen to come on and score the first goal of the match.

Incredible.

Fredrik Jensen replaces Joel Pohjanpalo for Finland's first change of the match.

Going for it?

An hour played in Dublin and it remains goalless - but it's been an impressive 15 minutes since the restart by Stephen Kenny's side.

I'm not sure of Finland have tired a bit, but the Republic of Ireland are playing with much more energy at the moment.

Can they make it count?

Callum O'Dowda's day is done.

On comes Sheffield United forward Callum Robinson in his place.

Callum O'Dowda may have tweaked something here.

He's down receiving some treatment on the pitch, allowing the players to pause for an unofficial drinks break.

The Republic of Ireland's brightest spark today, Aaron Connolly, creates space for a shot from a tight angle to the left of goal and slams his effort into the side-netting.

Finland are still a threat despite the hosts' good start.

Sheffield United's John Egan is alert to intercept a cross but Markku Kanerva's side come back again and earn a corner.

Robert Taylor sends the ball in from the right but the Republic of Ireland defence stands tall to clear.

It's been a good start to the second half from the Republic of Ireland.

Callum O'Dowda wins a free-kick now as the hosts apply the pressure.

It's delivered by Robbie Brady and Shane Duffy rises well but heads wide.

Robbie Brady whips in the free-kick but John Egan is unable to keep his header down.

There are no changes to report from either side at the interval. How long will Stephen Kenny stick with the current plan?

Aaron Connolly brings the hosts forward and wins a free-kick to the left of the penalty area early in the second period...

We're back under way for the second half!

I hope everyone prayed for some goals at half-time.

Undoubtedly the best chance of the first half fell to Teemu Pukki, but Finland's star man was thwarted by an outstretched Darren Randolph.

Image source, Getty Images

The possession is there for the Republic of Ireland, but the attacking threat just hasn't quite been there.

Just the one shot on target from two so far for the hosts, compared to Finland's two from four.

Obviously, it's early days for Stephen Kenny, but there's plenty of work to do.

Image source, .

Well there's no added time to be had and that's it for the first half.

Nothing to separate the sides so far.

It's turning into a bit of an open end to the first half, with both sides breaking in numbers but neither able to transition quickly enough to capitalise.

It's certainly there for the taking for both sides as we edge towards the interval, but it's going to take a bit more quality.