Evan Ferguson scored the only goal of the game as the Republic of Ireland beat Finland 1-0 at the Aviva Stadium in the UEFA Nations League.
The Brighton striker powered home a header at the back post after great work from Mikey Johnstone on the stroke of half time.
Man of the match Caoimhin Kelleher then saved a second-half penalty from substitute Joel Pohjanpalo, after Ferguson was adjudged to have handled inside the area, condemning Finland to relegation from League B.
Victory for Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men means they avoid automatic relegation from League B ahead of Sunday's visit to Wembley to face England, who also beat Greece 3-0 in Athens on Thursday night. Ireland will also face a play-off in March, with their position in League B on the line.
Match report
Hallgrimsson opted for a back four of Matt Doherty, Nathan Collins, Liam Scales and Callum O'Dowda in Dublin.
Festy Ebosele, who has been in impressive form for Watford in the Championship, and Mikey Johnstone started on the wings, with Josh Cullen and Jason Knight being named in the heart of the Irish midfield.
Goalscorer Ferguson was partned by the in-form Sammy Szmodics up front.
It was a lively encounter at the Aviva, with both sides creating plenty of chances.
Finland hit the post twice in the first half through Robin Lod and Oliver Antman, while Szmodics had a fine goal ruled out for offside in the 23rd minute after a lovely pass from Ferguson.
Ipswich striker Szmodics then stung the palms of Lukas Hradecky in the 37th minute, cutting inside and firing off a powerful strike which the Finland captain parried over for a corner.
Liam Scales and Maty Doherty both headed off target from set pieces before the Boys in Green made the breakthrough in the 45th minute.
Johnston embarked on a jinking run down the left flank, displaying his speed and quick feet to get to the byline and stand up a teasing cross on his left foot.
Meathman Ferguson rose highest at the back post to power in a header from close range.
The biggest incident of note in the 15 minutes after the interval was a Finland substitute, when Daniel O'Shaughnessy (whose father is from Galway) was introduced for the visitors.
Johnston dragged a shot narrowly wide after the hour mark, with Liam Scales making a vital block to deny Lod at the other end soon afterwards.
Finland were handed a huge opportunity to equalise in the 72nd minute, with VAR judging that Ferguson handled O'Shaughnessy's flick-on inside the box. The referee Harm Osmers pointed to the spot after a lengthy delay, but Kelleher guessed the right way and made an excellent save to deny Pohjanpalo. The Liverpool goalkeeper then pounced on the rebound, beating Lod to the loose ball and picking up a knock in the process.
Both sides rang the changes, with Dara O'Shea, Jayson Molumby, Ryan Manning, Tom Cannon and Finn Azaz all coming off the bench for the hosts.
Szmodics went close again late on, forcing Hradecky into another good save after being set up by substitute Azaz.
Republic of Ireland: Caoimhin Kelleher; Matt Doherty (Dara O'Shea 76), Callum O'Dowda, Nathan Collins, Liam Scales; Josh Cullen, Jason Knight, Festy Ebosele (Jayson Molumby 76), Mikey Johnston (Ryan Manning 85); Sammie Szmodics (Tom Cannon 85), Evan Ferguson (Finn Azaz 76).
Finland: Lukas Hradecky (capt); Jere Uronen (Daniel Hakans 64), Nikolai Alho (Ilmari Niskanen 84), Robert Ivanov, Arttu Hoskonen; Glen Kamara, Robin Lod, Oliver Antman (Joel Pohjanpalo 64), Matti Peltola (Daniel O'Shaughnessy 58); Kaan Kairinen, Benjamin Kallman (Teemu Pukki 84).
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