Rangnick's Joker Prince Prass saves Austria's promotion dreams

In the chilly Dublin, at the Aviva Stadium, the Austrian team was on the brink of defeat, two goals down. But after the break Alexander Prass and Michael Gregoritsch came off the bench, turned the game around and secured a 2‑2 draw that keeps the promotion dream alive.

The draw gave Austria three points after a 0‑2 deficit and kept the ÖFB side in the Nations League still in the race for promotion to the A‑League. Coach Ralf Rangnick was mildly satisfied and emphasized that the result reflects the necessary energy.

First Half: Irish Dominance

In the first twenty minutes the Irish dominated in almost every relevant area, Rangnick said after the match. He pointed out that the team had not reached the required level and that the problem was more a matter of mental freshness than physical fatigue. The preparation for Ireland's physical style of play had not produced the desired effect.

With seven points from three matches Austria leads the Nations League group clearly. On Friday the team travels to Prishtina, where the final game of the first phase will be played on Sunday. The goal of securing at least one point and thereby ensuring promotion to League A looks increasingly realistic.

Squad Depth Shows Effect

Rangnick had reshuffled his starting eleven at six positions to gain more flexibility. In the home wins against Israel and Kosovo (both 3‑1) the substituted players Sasa Kalajdzic and Carney Chukwuemeka each scored the decisive goal; in Dublin Prass and Gregoritsch continued this tradition. The fact that almost all called‑up outfield players have already received playing time underscores the breadth of the squad.

Prass proved to be the team's joker, as in his 23rd international match he not only scored his first international goal but also set up the free kick that Gregoritsch converted. “I’m incredibly happy, it was a brutally beautiful moment,” the 25‑year‑old Prass said after the goal. He emphasized that the comeback was a “giant step,” but that one must be satisfied with the point.

Outlook: Promotion Against Kosovo

The midfield players Xaver Schlager, Nicolas Seiwald, Romano Schmid and Patrick Wimmer have been in the starting eleven in all three games since the World Cup. Rangnick praised Wimmer: “Wimmsi has rightly earned a place in the first eleven and provides a lot of energy with his runs.” On Sunday Austria will meet Franco Foda’s Kosovo at the stadium in Prishtina, with a point remaining the main objective.

After the match in the young Balkan Republic the Austrians will close their four‑match international window and return to their clubs by mid‑November. The earned draw proves that the team is capable of overcoming setbacks and maintaining the ambition to continue climbing in the Nations League.