Troy Parrott struck twice before the break at a sold-out Aviva Stadium on October 1, 2026, only for Austria to fight back through Alexander Prass and Michael Gregoritsch as the Republic of Ireland surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2–2 in the UEFA Nations League B.
Parrott Double Secures Early Advantage at Aviva Stadium
Ireland walked off at half-time in control of their UEFA Nations League campaign on their third group game of the tournament, holding a comfortable advantage courtesy of a Troy Parrott double. Parrott opened the scoring in the 12th minute before striking again just before the interval, marking his ninth goal in six competitive internationals. The home side played with fluid movement, stringing together clever flicks and attacking sequences that troubled the Austrian backline.
Ralf Rangnick responded at the interval by making three tactical changes, introducing Konrad Laimer, Maximilian Wöber, and Michael Gregoritsch. The alterations changed the momentum entirely. Austria seized control of possession and pinned Ireland back for long stretches of the second period.
Austria Equalises Through Prass and Gregoritsch After the Break
Alexander Prass pulled one back in the 71st minute as the visitors began eating into the deficit. The goal arrived after a VAR check.
Sustained Austrian pressure yielded an equalizer six minutes later. Michael Gregoritsch curled a free-kick past an eight-man wall that left goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher wrong-footed on his side.
Ireland Sits Third in Group 3 Following the Draw
The draw leaves Ireland third in UEFA Nations League B Group 3, three behind group leaders Austria, who entered the fixture having won their opening two matches 3–1 against Israel and Kosovo. Ireland opened their campaign with a 1–0 defeat away to Kosovo before defeating Israel 3–0 in Debrecen, Hungary on September 27.
Head-to-head records serve as the primary tiebreaker in the group.
Heimir Hallgrimsson Prepares Squad for Serbia Fixture
The nations will face each other for the fifth time this century, following previous qualifying encounters in the campaigns for the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. The summer tournament saw the Austrian team reach the knockout stages under the direction of ex-Manchester United caretaker manager Ralf Rangnick, advancing through their group before exiting in the Round of 32 following a 3–0 defeat to eventual tournament winners Spain. Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side came into this game on the back of a 3–0 win over Israel in a very contentious game, with many calling for the squad to boycott the match due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Boss Heimir Hallgrimsson has spoken in recent weeks about the way his squad has managed external and internal pressures. While goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu of Bolton will feature against Austria this evening, he will not accompany the squad to Serbia for Sunday’s designated home fixture against Israel, leaving Josh Keeley poised to step in. Although Bosun Lawal has reported for international duty, his ongoing recovery from injury means he is unlikely to take part in the fixture.
Fans heading to the game were advised that all tickets are sold out, and it was recommended to download tickets and ‘Add to Wallet’ for easy access, as screenshots of tickets will not scan at the turnstiles.