Notes: LAOLA1’s individual review of Northern Ireland against Austria

As usual he scratched the right side of the ÖFB in a good and fun way and harmonized well with rookie Ranftl. Gladbach’s legionnaire managed little offense that could be shown, but the Salzburg man allowed nothing on his side. It was probably also the Foda team chief’s specification that Legionnaire Gladbach should seal everything on the defensive.

The veteran, also at the request of his neighbor Martin Hinteregger, took precedence over Stefan Posch for the first time in the current Nations League season and restored his confidence with a stable defensive performance. The defense was rarely challenged properly. However, everything was cleared up for sure before it could be dangerous.

A great performance from the Carinthian that was almost better offensive than defensive. Together with Ilsanker, Baumgartlinger and Dragovic, he secured a tight headquarters. In the 24th minute, the Eintracht legionnaire missed with a nosedive header, and Gregoritsch set up the first goal with a good cross after having advanced far. With high balls he also always demonstrated his aerial superiority. A sovereign performance without being really challenged on the defensive.

The Bayern star was only a left-back on paper and found himself mostly deep in the opponent’s half. Time and again he initiated the Austrian attacks and often moved away from headquarters, where he added accents with his creativity. His free kicks and crosses always created danger, together with Christoph Baumgartner he formed a nice left side of the ÖFB. When Liam Boyce gave him a last-minute chance, the 28-year-old fell completely asleep, which could have been expensive.

The Salzburg man occupied the defensive end in central midfield and won almost all of his duels. The 31-year-old also appeared on offense, in the 10th minute he missed after a Baumgartner corner with his head. Defensively, he plugged all the holes and was jointly responsible for the ÖFB team’s strong defensive performance. However, it was not more than average.

Sometimes I would have liked a little more creativity in central midfield, Alaba took over this part of the left, Baumgartlinger held back in building the game. Defensively, there is nothing to criticize, together with Ilsanker he formed the compact headquarters that the Foda team leader had wanted. However, the captain is more used to pulling strings at headquarters, which this time fell by the wayside.

The LASK pro was a surprise when he made his debut in the starting eleven on his second mission. Kilometers carefree on the right wing, once he was too surprised in front of the goal that he reached the ball. But he showed that he quickly finds his way around this level due to international appearances with the Linzers. Decent performance, even if the automations have yet to mature. He replaced Christopher Trimmel in the 73rd minute.

Low-key game from the Wolfsburg Legionnaire! He plugged the gaps in the defensive movement and fought many balls with his will to run and fight hard. However, he was not as energetic on offense as he has already shown on the national team. Sometimes he acted unhappy or lacked precision in reproduction. This was forgiven against Northern Ireland, but Schlager can certainly do more.