Parrott's brace cancelled out as Austria fight back for 2-2 draw

Ireland surrendered a two-goal lead as Austria roared back in the second half to force a 2-2 draw in UEFA Nations League B Group 3 at the Aviva Stadium. Troy Parrott's clinical first-half brace had the hosts in command, but Alexander Prass and Michael Gregoritsch scored in quick succession to stun the home crowd.

Ireland lined up in a 3-4-2-1 shape, with Parrott leading the line. The hosts struck early. In the 12th minute, Adam Idah slipped a pass through the Austrian backline and Parrott finished with his right foot from a central position, a chance worth 0.52 xG. Ireland continued to press, winning 31 duels in the first half and forcing Austria into 10 fouls. Parrott doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 45th minute, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way after a handball. The penalty carried an xG of 0.79.

At the break, Ireland held a 2-0 advantage, with an xG of 1.43 to Austria's 0.35. They had managed 6 shots, 2 on target, and 20 touches in the opposition box, while Austria had 8 shots and 3 on target but only 14 box touches. The home side's 44% possession was efficient, with 45 passes in the Austrian half.

Austria, in their 4-2-3-1, emerged with renewed intent. They dominated the ball with 60% possession and pinned Ireland back, registering 8 shots and 4 on target. The pressure told in the 71st minute. Patrick Wimmer drove down the right and cut the ball back for Alexander Prass, who swept a left-footed shot into the net from inside the area (0.46 xG). Six minutes later, a free-kick on the edge of the box gave Michael Gregoritsch the chance to curl a direct effort over the wall and into the top corner. The strike, worth just 0.11 xG, levelled the score at 2-2.

Ireland managed only 3 shots in the second half, with a solitary effort on target, and their xG plummeted to 0.18. Austria created two big chances after the interval, while Ireland failed to produce any.

The draw leaves Ireland ruing a game they had controlled. Troy Parrott's individual numbers were exceptional: 2 goals from an xG of 1.35, a performance that earned him star-man ratings. In contrast, Austria's target man Saša Kalajdžić was anonymous, registering just 0.02 xG.

The match was preceded by a limited protest, with Reuters reporting it was "done in solidarity with Gavin Bazunu and the people of Palestine facing genocide." Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher made a couple of routine saves but was beaten twice. The hosts won 61 duels to Austria's 49, yet could not hold on. The result leaves both sides with a point in UEFA Nations League B Group 3.

FotMob, Reuters.