Much like Ireland, Finland are languishing in a fallow period too

Ireland's latest test may be like looking in a mirror, with Finland only two places behind the boys in green on the world rankings

Jayson Molumby in action against Fredrik Jenson of Finland during the 2020 UEFA Nations League

In a country voted the best to live in the World, Finland football is languishing at a low ebb.

Since Markku Kanerva guided the team to their first ever qualification, the delayed Euros in 2021, their fortunes have steadily plummeted. A reprieve was on offer when they activated their backdoor route through the playoffs for the last Euros but Wales handed them a 4-1 hammering in March.

That was one of six defeats in their last 10, the only victories coming against Northern Ireland and San Marino in November’s double-header. This year has encompassed four defeats and the one draw against Scotland in a June friendly. They sit bottom of the Nations League group, one goal worse off than Ireland due to Greece hitting three, rather than two, against Kanerva’s side.

Kanerva – who recalled playing in Liam Brady’s 1990 testimonial at Lansdowne Road before he led Finland into a pair of Nations League wins in 2020 – is feeling the pressure after eight years at the helm.

He’s been with the international squad for 20 years, initially leading the U21s to the 2009 Euros, becoming assistant to the seniors before being promoted to the ultimate post in 2016.

Finland manager Markku Kanerva has been involved with the international side for 20 years

Much like Ireland, no longer is he selecting players from familiar club names across Europe.

Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky is the best known of the current bunch due to their strides last year but some of the starters against Ireland on Thursday will be drawn from the Bundesliga second tier.

Teemu Pukki, former strike partner of Adam Idah at Norwich City, remains a draw but might not make it after missing the last three games of MLS side Minnesota United due to injury.

It’s no surprise the Finland federation posted a recall of a previous meeting between the nations under Mick McCarthy’s first spell. In the Finnish side were Liverpool duo Sami Hyypia – who celebrated his birthday this week – and Jari Litmanen. Ireland, fresh from the World Cup in 2002, won the friendly 3-0.

For those wondering, Ireland ranked 17th in those rankings. The variables assessed for the report are income (GDP per capita), healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and freedom from corruption.