Saša Kalajdžić scored in the 79th minute on Saturday to give Austria a 1–0 win over the Republic of Ireland in Linz, securing promotion to the top tier of the Nations League with a game to spare, The Irish Times reported.
The LASK-Linz striker bundled the ball into Caoimhín Kelleher’s goal after the visitors failed to clear a corner on a frigid night. The defeat leaves Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side needing a win against Kosovo to secure second place in Group 3B, according to the Irish Independent.
🇦🇹 1-0 🇮🇪 It's a scrappy lead goal for Austria after Ireland gave away an unnecessary corner. Sasa Kalajdzic taps home from close range 📺 Watch Austria v Ireland live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player pic.twitter.com/61ldfjlqBx
Hallgrímsson Regrets Missed Opportunities During the Match
“It was painful not to get anything from this match, I think we at least deserved a draw,” Hallgrímsson told the Irish Independent. Troy Parrott, Adam Idah, and Jack Moylan led a brave, high-pressing attack that created multiple first-half opportunities, but Werder Bremen goalkeeper Alexander Schlager denied Parrott twice and Kevin Danso crowded out another effort.
Kalajdžić, who entered as a 61st-minute substitute, avoided a card after an elbow into Dara O’Shea’s forehead prior to scoring the winner. “I’m disappointed Kalajdžić didn’t sent off,” Shay Given told Balls.ie, calling it the “clearest red card you’ll see.” Didi Hamann suggested on Balls.ie that Ireland were made to pay for O’Shea’s honesty in not feigning injury to force a VAR review.
An article about Ireland before the match against Austria Moving on from Israel and can Troy Parrott keep scoring? Talking points ahead of Austria v Irelandhttps://t.co/gLSpIVjhNF
Playoff Hopes in Dublin
Despite the frustration, Kelleher kept his country in the contest with a string of saves, including an instinctive stop from a Chiedozie Ogbene header late in the game. “That’s what I’m there to do, save the team and keep the team in the game,” Kelleher told the Irish Independent.
Ireland must now face Kosovo at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, where a victory would secure second place in the table and ensure a second seed for the Euro 2028 qualifier draw in Belfast next month, as reported by Balls.ie.
A huge thank you for your support in Linz this evening ☘️ Our final game of 2026 together on Tuesday 👉 https://t.co/hGl69BpP5H pic.twitter.com/rGmXecyxgj
Austria Secures Top Spot in Group 3B
Austria finished top of Group 3B ahead of their final match against Israel in Debrecen on Tuesday. Franco Foda’s side were held to a 0–0 draw against Israel in Pristina, meaning a draw against Kosovo is enough for them to finish above Ireland.
Lineups in Linz featured Schlager in goal for Austria alongside defenders Posch, Lienhart, Danso, and Mwene. Ireland deployed Kelleher behind O’Shea, Collins, and Scales, with Hallgrímsson utilizing a 3–4–3 formation that eventually shifted to a 5–4–1 defensive shape.
Common Questions About the Qualifier
What does Ireland need against Kosovo?
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side essentially need to beat Kosovo on Tuesday evening at Lansdowne Road to seal second place in Group 3B, according to the Irish Independent.
Why is second place important for the Euro 2028 draw?
Finishing in the top two secures a second seed for the Euro 2028 qualifier draw, which takes place in Belfast next month, as reported by Balls.ie.
Full time in Linz. A must-win game to come on Tuesday in the Aviva 👊 pic.twitter.com/935JCajBFc
Who scored the winning goal in Linz?
Saša Kalajdžić scored in the 79th minute after coming off the bench in the 61st minute for Austria, according to The Irish Times.
“We want to stop building and start winning. It just didn’t fall for us this time,” Hallgrímsson told the Irish Independent.
An article from Linz ahead of Ireland vs Austria Ireland v Austria: Heimir Hallgrímsson on how side is preparing for Nations League clashhttps://t.co/Om6tXCUjef
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