Austria beat Ireland 1‑0 to clinch Nations League group top spot

Austria secured a 1‑0 victory over Ireland in the UEFA Nations League B3 match, with substitute Sasa Kalajdžić scoring the winning goal in the 79th minute.

The goal came from a corner that Ireland failed to clear, allowing Kalajdžić to poke the ball over the line with eleven minutes remaining.

The win guarantees Austria top place in the group and promotion to League A. Ireland now need a win against Kosovo in their next match to move into second place.

Ireland created several chances, notably Adam Idah’s effort in the 68th minute and Troy Parrott’s shots, but were unable to convert. Goalkeeper James Kelleher made a number of saves, including a denial of a Baumgartner header.

Both managers expressed frustration after the game, with Austria’s Ralf Rangnick upset by the space given to Ireland and Ireland’s manager disappointed by the late concession.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Kaio Murilo / Pexels.