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The whistle goes for half time and I'd say Finland have had the better chances, despite Republic of Ireland playing some good attacking football at times.

Teemu Pukki is getting much more involved as the game goes on and he has another good chance, this time running at the defence after Republic of Ireland give the ball away but he hits a low effort just wide.

Fredrik Jensen loses the ball just outside the Republic of Ireland box and then leaves his foot in as Jayson Molumby comes across to clear. Jensen is right in front of the referee and earns the game's first booking as a result.

A poor final touch lets Sean Maguire down as he is picked out inside the box by Aaron Connolly but Maguire's touch takes it away from him and Finland clear.

There's been some nice build up play by the visitors but they are just being let down by poor control in the final third.

Best chance of the half!

A lovely disguised ball by Pyry Soiri slips Teemu Pukki through and the Norwich striker takes touch before flicking a shot across the goalkeeper but it goes just wide of the far post.

A Conor Hourihane free kick skims the head of Aaron Connolly before Finland clear the loose ball inside the box.

One shot on target each so far but nothing to trouble either keeper.

John Haughey
BBC Sport NI

Stephen Kenny's imprint is again on the Republic's display so far as they are clearly attempting to play out from the back rather than going direct.

However, their efforts so far have been somewhat undermined by a few loose passes although Hendrick's 12th-minute chance, which was blocked, has been the best opening so far.

The Republic are probably just shading it but still a pretty even contest.

Nice from Robert Taylor as he somehow gets between Daryl Horgan and Matt Doherty to break into the box but his touch is a bit heavy and he runs into trouble before he can shoot.

Aaron Connolly cuts onto his right foot on the left flank and whips a fierce delivery towards the far post. The ball is just over Daryl Horgan and Lukas Hradecky gathers with relative ease.

Conor Hourihane whips in the free kick, it is a decent delivery but just behind Shane Duffy.

The flag is up anyway for offside.

Ooof! Aaron Connolly is wiped out by Tim Spav and the Finland captain is very lucky to get away with just a warning for that challenge.

Kyle Utterson: From a Newcastle fans point of view Hendrick has started this game well which is positive and he looks a goal threat. Unfortunately though I don't see many goals in this game neither side are prolific enough. This has 1-0 either way written all over it.

Now he has a touch of the ball though and it is not a bad one as his shot is deflected behind for a corner. Robert Taylor's delivery is headed away by Jeff Hendrick.

Teemu Pukki is almost a spectator himself in this game. The Finland striker has had just three touches of the ball, fewer than any other player on the pitch including the goalkeepers.

Aaron Connolly nudges over a Finland defender as he challenges for a ball into the box but he was never going to get to it.

Good to hear a real crowd once again. The home fans here are making for a decent atmosphere.

John Haughey
BBC Sport NI

Helsinki's Olympic Stadium witnessed one of Ireland's greatest sporting moments back in 1983 when legendary athlete Eamonn Coghlan won the 5,000m title at the inaugural World Athletics Championships.

An Irish victory tonight will probably not live as long in the memory but Stephen Kenny will be hoping that some of Coghlan's gold dust is still floating around the stadium.

Image source, Inpho

Republic of Ireland win the first corner of the game but it is one to forget as the whistle goes before Conor Hourihane's ball can get into the box because of a foul.

Chance now at the other end as Glen Kamara has a go from distance. His shot is well struck but straight at Darren Randolph.

The game is opening up a bit after a quiet start.

Good move by the visitors as a free kick is taken quickly down the left to Sean Maguire, who finds Darly Horgan inside the box but, with his back to goal, he plays it back to Jeff Hendrick but his first-time shot is blocked.