Rangnick's comeback secures point in Dublin despite deficit

In the Aviva Stadium in Dublin a oppressive silence settled after the first minutes, as the Irish guests already took a 0-2 lead. The Austrian eleven under Ralf Rangnick, however, had to reorganise to avert the looming setback.

Early Backbone of the Irish

Troy Parrott opened the game in the twelfth minute, slipping the ball past centre‑back Philipp Lienhart after a quick counter‑attack and scoring 1‑0. The early goal allowed the Irish side to retain control, while Austria struggled in the build‑up.

Austria's Counter‑Attack and Equaliser

After a short pause, Rangnick introduced Alexander Prass for the substituted Florian Wiegele; Prass used a cross from Saša Kalajdžić and made it 1‑2. Shortly after, Michael Gregoritsch equalised, putting the ball in the net after a mis‑pass by the Irish defence and thus salvaging the point.

The victory was therefore secured, and Austria defended the top spot in Group B3 of the Nations League. The third appearance in the Nations League, photographed by AFP photographer Paul Faith, highlighted the need to fight in Dublin to avoid the first defeat.

Rangnick had stressed before the match that his team needed to show a higher energy level. Six newcomers started: Philipp Lienhart, David Affengruber, Stefan Posch, Philipp Mwene, Saša Kalajdžić and Carney Chukwuemeka. In attack, Kalajdžić, Romano Schmid and Patrick Wimmer formed the offensive triangle.

The atmosphere in the stadium was shadowed by protests against the staging of Nations League matches against Israel. Spectators threw Palestine‑flag tennis balls onto the pitch, leading to a brief interruption in the 19th minute.

After the equaliser, Austria continued to rely on possession, but the Irish counters remained dangerous. In the second half, Rangnick replaced Chukwuemeka, Seiwald and Affengruber with Michael Gregoritsch, Konrad Laimer and Maximilian Wöber to inject fresh impetus.

On Sunday the final match of the block takes place: Austria travel to Pristina, where they will meet Kosovo in the final to secure the group lead once and for all.