'Not a perfect match' but Hallgrimsson savours sweet relief of first victory

“We can be happy with a lot tonight, particularly the performance," said the manager. "One mistake and we were punished. I thought we played pretty good, especially at the end of the first half. We built off that."

POINTING THE WAY: Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson celebrates after the game. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Heimir Hallgrimsson admitted his first victory in charge of the Republic of Ireland "was not a perfect match" but he justifiably savoured the joy after Robbie Brady's late winner gave his side a victory they have long waited for.

The 89th minute strike by the 32-year-old secured a first UEFA Nations League B Group 2 at the third time of asking. The 2-1 success at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki also saw the Irish Senior men’s team come behind to win a competitive game for the first time in 2012 against Kazakhstan, 115 games in total.