Austria fought back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw with the Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday. Goals from substitutes Alexander Prass and Michael Gregoritsch in the final twenty minutes salvaged a point for Ralf Rangnick's side in Dublin.
How the match unfolded
The hosts took an early lead through Troy Parrott, who finished from an Adam Idah pass in the 12th minute. Parrott doubled Ireland's advantage from the penalty spot just before half-time. Rangnick made three changes at the break which eventually paid off. Prass, introduced in the 67th minute, pulled one back in the 71st after being set up by Patrick Wimmer. Gregoritsch, another substitute, headed home the equaliser just six minutes later.
The match was briefly halted in the 20th minute when tennis balls featuring Palestinian flags were thrown onto the pitch. A group called Stop the Game claimed responsibility for the protest. "The protest is now over," a statement said. "It was a token act, deliberately limited, but necessary and done in solidarity with Gavin Bazunu and the people of Palestine facing genocide." Irish goalkeeper Bazunu had withdrawn from the squad ahead of the match.
By the numbers
Austria dominated possession with 58 percent and outshot their opponents 16 to 9, with seven efforts on target.
In the Nations League, Austria continues its strong form, remaining unbeaten in the current campaign and now having taken seven points from three matches. The team's recent attacking strength was also on display in their last match, a 3-1 home win against Kosovo just days ago.
The team's next fixture is an away Nations League match against Kosovo on 4 October. Their last meeting ended in a 3-1 home win for Austria last week.
The 2-2 draw in Dublin was the second draw in the last five matches. Team boss Ralf Rangnick praised his team's morale after falling behind. "The reaction in the second half was first-class," the Austrian said. The next match is on October 4.
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson defended his substitution of Troy Parrott in the 75th minute of the 2-2 draw with Austria. "Absolutely not, no, absolutely not," he said when asked if Parrott should have stayed on the pitch. The Irishman Parrott had been a two-goal scorer in the 2-2 on October 1. Austria's next match is on October 4.
The game in Dublin was interrupted twice. Following the first tennis ball protest around the 20th minute, a further incident occurred around the 35th minute. A man with a Palestinian flag ran onto the pitch and was stopped by security. Team manager Ralf Rangnick's side remains in good form with the sequence DWWLD from their last five matches. The next match takes place on 4 October.
