NEWS
Clash of ÖFB Opponents: Ireland Thrashes Israel
Austria's opening opponent suffers another defeat in their second Nations League match. The game was decided after just half an hour.
Ireland wins the clash of ÖFB group opponents on the second matchday of the UEFA Nations League, beating Israel 3-0.
Ahead of the match, the game made headlines primarily due to political tensions. Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu even decided to boycott the match.
Tense atmosphere in ÖFB group: Protests expected
No Handshake Before the Match
Only a few hundred fans were present at the Israelis' alternate "home" stadium in Debrecen on Sunday evening. Furthermore, there was no handshake between the Ireland and Israel players before the match. This was reportedly not announced beforehand. During Israel's national anthem, the Irish also bowed their heads and wore black armbands throughout the game.
On the pitch, the preliminary decision came relatively early. Parrott gave the visitors the lead after 13 minutes, before Idah (16') extended it to 2-0 just three minutes later after a through ball from Moylan.
Moylan finally sealed the preliminary decision after just 25 minutes. And it remained 3-0. Austria thus continues to lead Group 3 of NL League B ahead of Kosovo. Ireland is in third place with three points, while Israel has yet to register a point.
