Troy Parrott gave the Aviva Stadium everything it wanted for 45 minutes and then watched Austria take most of it back. The Republic of Ireland led 2-0 at half-time, both goals his, and finished with a 2-2 draw in the Nations League after two Austrian goals in six minutes.
A first half to remember
It was Ireland's first competitive home game since the World Cup qualifier win over Portugal 11 months ago, and Parrott scored both that night too. He did not need long to remind everyone. In the 12th minute he took a pass from Adam Idah and produced a solo goal that had the crowd roaring, a run and finish that lifted the whole ground.
Jack Moylan looked sharp in the early going, and Idah pressed relentlessly. Ireland were in control for most of the half, and Parrott added a second from the penalty spot right on the stroke of half-time, at 45 minutes, to send them in two goals clear.
Austria come back
The second half brought a brief delay when tennis balls were thrown on to the pitch, followed by a protester running on. When play resumed, the game changed. Alexander Prass pulled one back in the 71st minute, set up by Patrick Wimmer, who had already had a shot deflected behind by Liam Scales in the first half. Six minutes later Michael Gregoritsch scored from a free-kick to level it at 2-2.
Ireland had to defend for the rest of the game. Jake O'Brien made a timely sliding tackle to stop Prass, and John Egan headed clear a tired delivery from Phillipp Mwene in stoppage time. At the other end, Ryan Manning, found by Chiedozie Ogbene's deep cross after a long ball from Caoimhin Kelleher, sliced a first-time shot wide, the last big chance of the night.
What the point means
A draw is not a disaster, but being two goals up at the break makes it feel like a missed opportunity. Parrott's finishing will again be the talking point, and Ireland will take encouragement from the first half. The harder question is how a side in command at 2-0 lost its grip so quickly.
Match facts: Republic of Ireland 2-2 Austria, UEFA Nations League, League B Group 3, Aviva Stadium, Thursday 1 October 2026 | Goals: Parrott 12' and 45' (pen) for Ireland; Prass 71' and Gregoritsch 77' for Austria | source: BBC Sport.
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