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A strong final phase was enough for Austria to clinch a 2-1 victory over Northern Ireland in the UEFA Nations League at home. Franco Foda showed that he was happy to change hands.
Austria – Northern Ireland: Live Blog, Photos and Voices
The game in brief
From the beginning, the home side had a hard time against the British defense. Austria had much more ball possession, but opportunities were still slim.
Stefan Ilsanker ran over a David Alaba cross and Michael Gregoritsch headed it over. Otherwise, not much, the ÖFB-Elf missed the last consequence. Nor was Northern Ireland to be seen. In the 76th minute the bell rang. Andreas Ulmer fell asleep in the offside trap, Josh Magennis took advantage of this gift.
That served as a wake-up call for the Austrians, as Louis Schaub completed just minutes later to equalize. But that’s not all, Marko Arnautović served Adrian Grbić ideally, who made it 2-1 in the 87th minute. All three players had recently been substituted.
Johannes Sturm, reporter from Austria
It is almost typical in Austria that you win dull. Franco Foda’s team did not meet expectations for a long time. What remains are three points – in a few days no one will ask the “how”.
be right
Louis Schaub, Austria scorer
Of course I am happy with the goal. It’s nice to be able to make a game like that. The goal was like a wake-up call for us. Northern Ireland defended very well, they made life difficult for us.
Marko Arnautović, Austria forward
It was not easy. Northern Ireland defended with nine men. In games like this you have to risk finding. I just did my job today, I’m happy I was able to help the team.
Statistics
- Exactly 365 days elapsed between this and Marko Arnautović’s last international match.
- 4 exchange players made the difference. Adrian Grbić scored the winning goal and set the level through Louis Schaub, Marko Arnautović contributed an assist. Josh Magennis scored for Northern Ireland and also came off the bench.
Constellations
Austria: Pervan – Lainer, Dragovic (46th Ranftl), Hinteregger, Ulmer – X. Schlager, Ilsanker, Baumgartlinger, Alaba – Sabitzer, Gregoritsch (63. Arnautovic)
North Ireland: McGovern – C. McLaughlin, Ballard (83. Cathcart), Flanagan, Ferguson (37. Lewis) – Smith, McNair, McCann (83. Davis), Dallas – Boyce (62. Whyte), Washington (62. Magennis)
Whats Next?
On November 18, Austria will finally face Norway at home. Northern Ireland welcomes Romania.
