ALEXANDER SCHLAGER
90 minutes
Austria's goalkeeper was rarely called into action early on following a strong start from his outfield players. After Ireland grew into the game around the 15th minute, his reassurance between the sticks was needed. The 30-year-old was forced to intervene three times in the first half, looking assured on each occasion.
He also distinguished himself with some fine saves after the break. Shortly before the final whistle (88'), he showcased his quick reflexes from close range, sealing the victory for his side.
STEFAN POSCH
Until the 76th minute
Like the rest of the backline, the Mainz defender was heavily tested after the opening quarter of an hour. In the 22nd minute, he threatened with a good header, before setting up a great chance for Lang (35').
Later on, he repeatedly showed signs of uncertainty in possession, but raised his game at the start of the second half and looked dependable for the most part thereafter.
Philipp Lienhart
90 minutes
The Freiburg defender was aggressive in duels right from the start. In possession, he was noticeably more composed than some of his teammates and radiated calm throughout.
KEVIN DANSO
90 minutes
Following several poor misplaced passes, the 28-year-old centre-back appeared increasingly unsettled in build-up play. Time and again, he put his side in precarious situations.
He significantly improved in the second 45 minutes and also contributed in attack. In the 60th minute, he had a good headed chance that was only just kept out by the Irish goalkeeper.
Phillipp Mwene
90 minutes
The 32-year-old looked to provide impetus down the left flank. Before the break, he was at times left without enough support from Lang. Nevertheless, he went about his business without great fanfare, but also with few mistakes—a solid display.
KONRAD LAIMER
90 minutes
Operating alongside Seiwald, Laimer repeatedly imposed himself on the game, looking to pick out his forwards with penetrating through balls. Defensively, the 29-year-old provided his trademark aggressive support and was a standout performer.
The Salzburg native racked up the most touches of any player on the pitch across the 90 minutes. A strong performance from the captain.
NICOLAS SEIWALD
90 minutes
The Salzburg native is currently seeing limited playing time at club level, and it showed somewhat. He delivered a solid performance for the national team, but nothing more. In several situations, he lacked his usual commanding presence.
ROMANO SCHMID
Until the 90th minute
The Frosinone man worked hard on the pitch, but at times struggled to pick the right moment to release his passes and find gaps in the opposition setup.
In the 72nd minute, he set up a top chance for Gregoritsch with a fine free-kick, having already caught the eye earlier with a pinpoint pass into the box for Baumgartner, who was also unable to capitalise (62').
Christoph Baumgartner
Until the 76th minute
Back with the ÖFB squad after an injury layoff, the 27-year-old had his first goalscoring opportunity as early as the third minute, only to be denied by the Irish keeper. Most of the early attacking threat flowed through him, but the Leipzig player faded as the match progressed and was no longer brought into play as effectively by his teammates.
In the second half, he had promising chances following good deliveries from Schmid and Kalajdzic, but could not find the net, with his lack of match sharpness evident in those moments. He was substituted in the 76th minute.
Christoph Lang
Until the 61st minute
The LASK forward had a lively start on his full debut, carving out two excellent chances in the first half where better first touches might have yielded even more. Especially early on, he impressed with intelligent runs into central areas, but like most of the attacking line, he struggled as the game wore on.
A clear creative spark was often lacking, and defensively, too much was left for Mwene to handle as a result. Ralf Rangnick responded with a substitution in the 61st minute, replacing the 24-year-old with Kalajdzic.
MICHAEL GREGORITSCH
90 minutes
The striker was largely anonymous in the first half and struggled to make an impact. Only at the beginning of the second half did he truly grow into the match, promptly getting into promising positions.
He repeatedly took up dangerous areas and provided the assist for Kalajdzic's decisive winner. A marked improvement compared to his first-half display.
Sasa Kalajdzic
Substituted in at 61'
The forward came on for debutant Lang and instantly injected momentum. With his goal in the 78th minute, he steered Austria to victory. The match turned noticeably in Austria's favour following his introduction.
Sascha Horvath
Substituted in at 76'
Raul Florucz
Substituted in at 76'
David Affengruber
Substituted in at 90'
