During the late Irish push, Kalajdzic also helped out in defence and, thanks in no small part to his aerial prowess, was able to clear two balls and win back possession once.
A highlight reminiscent of Algeria
The highlight, of course, was the winning goal in the 78th minute. A corner from Romano Schmid, Gregoritsch heads it across from the far post, Kalajdzic reacts with great anticipation and pokes the ball over the line.
"The goal was in some ways a copy of the Algeria game. Back then there was also a ball to the far post and then the header from Gregerl," said Rangnick, recalling the 2026 World Cup.
High praise from the head coach
Just how important a Kalajdzic in top form is comes as nothing new, but it was once again reaffirmed.
Rangnick praised him: "He is getting closer and closer to the form he had before his second or third ACL tear. What he delivered overall in that half hour was massively important for us. He gave the game a new twist, a new quality."
The year to reap the rewards
The Vienna native thus extends his fabulous international record in 2026 to eleven appearances, three goals, and two assists. Not to mention the titles and successes with LASK.
That is why the 29-year-old can already say, a month and a half before the end of the year: "Last year was a lot of hard work; this year the fruits were harvested. It has been a wonderful year so far."
And that is no understatement.
