Austria clinch Nations League group with dramatic late win over Israel

Austria secured top spot in their UEFA Nations League B group with a dramatic 3-1 home win over Israel on Thursday. Two stoppage-time goals from Philipp Mwene and Sasa Kalajdzic completed a comeback at the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz, sealing first place in Group 3.

Romano Schmid had put Austria ahead from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute. Israeli forward Sayed Abu Farchi equalised in the 55th minute but was sent off moments later for a controversial celebration. The 20-year-old, who joined MLS side Colorado Rapids in September, ran to a corner flag and mimicked a possible gunshot motion, earning a second yellow card from Bulgarian referee Georgi Kabakov.

Late Show Seals It

Austria made their numerical advantage count in the dying moments. Mwene headed home from a Paul Wanner cross in the 90th minute to make it 2-1. Just three minutes later, Kalajdzic finished from a Christoph Lang assist to seal the 3-1 victory. The win confirmed first place in the group after Kosovo beat Ireland 1-0 in the other match.

The result provides a timely boost ahead of the next challenges. Their recent form across all competitions reads two wins, one draw, and two losses from the last five outings. The team's next fixture is at home to Kosovo on Sunday in the Nations League.

Sayed Abu Farchi addressed his actions after the final whistle. "It was a personal celebration," the striker said of his contentious corner-flag gesture. For the Austrian defence, it was the sixth goal conceded this season, matching their own tally of six scored. The squad will aim to maintain this positive momentum against Kosovo and strengthen their position in World Cup qualifying.

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