Two Super-Subs Save ÖFB Team in Ireland

On matchday 3 of the UEFA Nations League, the ÖFB team has to settle for a 2-2 draw away in Ireland.

Red-White-Red gets anything but a good start in Dublin. From the very first minutes, the Irish cause problems for Rangnick's team with their physicality and long balls.

Parrot Outplays Half the ÖFB Defence

Idah (3') heads wide after a throw-in. The first clear scoring chance then materializes. Parrot first makes Lienhart look bad with a nutmeg, then the Betis legionary also outplays Affengruber. Seiwald can't get there - and so Parrot also beats Wiegele with a low shot into the far corner (12').

Even after that, Austria struggles. After fifteen minutes, the match has to be interrupted due to protests from Irish fans. Several tennis balls with Palestine flags are thrown onto the pitch. Play resumes after a few minutes.

Interruption Helps

Afterwards, the balance of power at least evens out. Seiwald has the first promising chance for ÖFB, hitting a volley just over the bar after a chest lay-off from Kalajdzic (26'). Shortly after, Affengruber can just clear after initially being late.

Wimmer (31') subsequently lacks the power in a left-footed shot, while Schlager (33'), in a good position, opts for a square pass that, however, lands with an opponent.

After a strong dribble by Kalajdzic, he sets up Wimmer, whose shot, however, hits the crossbar (40').

Goal Conceded in the Middle of a Good ÖFB Phase

But Rangnick's side doesn't reward itself for a good phase - quite the opposite.

After Mwene fails to clear properly following a cross, Seiwald hits his opponent's foot during another clearance attempt. Penalty!

Parrot confidently converts it into the right corner (45'+1).

ÖFB Triple Substitution at Half-Time

They go into half-time 0-2 down. Rangnick reacts to the performance so far with three substitutions. Chukwuemeka, Seiwald and Affengruber are taken off. Gregoritsch, Laimer and Wöber come into the game.

Austria gets dangerously close to goal for the first time five minutes after the restart. Kalajdzic plays a through ball from the edge of the box directly into Wimmer's run, but an opponent intervenes.

Overall, the ÖFB team tries to seize control in the second half. However, the final precision and big chances are often lacking, but at least the pressing works. On the other hand, Ireland limits itself to counter-attacks, which are regularly neutralized by the red-white-red defence.

Super-Sub Double Strike for the Equalizer

In the 67th minute, the national coach makes his fourth substitution. Schmid is replaced by Prass.

Just a few moments - and a long-range shot from Laimer - later, the super-sub already makes an impact. Wimmer wins the ball on the right wing. His first low cross is blocked, but the second one then lands with Prass, who curls the ball under the crossbar (71'). After a VAR check, the national team goal by the Hoffenheim player also counts.

With a goal back, Austria now pushes for the equalizer. After a good dribble, Prass earns a free-kick at the edge of the box - and Gregoritsch curls it halfway past the wall into the goalkeeper's corner (77')!

All of a sudden, it's back and forth, as the hosts suddenly become dangerous again. Following a throw-in, Wiegele makes a strong save to deny O'Shea's volley (78').

Austria, however, remains more dangerous: three minutes later, Kalajdzic lays it off to "Gregerl," who shoots wide from a good position. Prass' volley (89') also goes over. In stoppage time, the Irish make their presence felt again: Manning curls the ball over the goal.

And so ends an intense match, in which Austria at least earned a point.