Ireland 2 Austria 2: Austria second-half goals cancel out Troy Parrott double – as it happened
Nations League: Ireland 2 (Parrott 12, 45) Austria 2 (Prass 71, Gregoritsch 77) IRELAND: Kelleher; Abankwah (O’Brien 74), Egan, O’Shea (capt), Scales (Kitching 63), Manning; Coventry, Moylan (Cannon 86), Azaz; Parrott (Ogbene 74), Idah (Molumby 63). AUSTRIA: Wiegele; Posch, Affengruber (Wober 45), Lienhart, Mwene; Seiwald (Laimer 45), Schlager (capt), Wimmer, Chukwuemeka (Gregoritsch 45), Schmid (Prass 67); Kalajdzic. Watch Troy Parrott’s opening goal: 🇮🇪 1-0 🇦🇹 The Republic of Ireland lead in Dublin, and it's that man again, Troy Parrott with a stunning solo goal #rtesport 📺Watch live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player pic.twitter.com/AYWcp9IwWm — RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) October 1, 2026 Hello and welcome to live coverage of the Nations League match between Ireland and Austria at the Aviva Stadium. This will be Ireland’s only “home” Nations League game of this international window, as their next game against Israel has been moved to Backa Topola in Serbia, behind closed doors, for security reasons. The Stop the Game campaign has arranged a protest outside the stadium today at 2pm. In a previous home match this year against Qatar, tennis balls were thrown on the pitch in protest at the Ireland-Israel fixtures. It comes as Uefa and the FAI are using the game as a test run for Euro 2028, where An Garda Síochána will roll out a citywide security operation. We will give updates of the protests taking place in the capital before the game and the build-up to the match, which kicks off at 7.45pm. Protesters have gathered outside the ground pic.twitter.com/6nn8Ta0W6I — Lansdowne Road ☘️🇮🇪⚽ (@LansdowneRD_IE) October 1, 2026 Some protesters have gathered outside the ground. Some pictures from Ballsbridge near the Aviva Stadium, where Stop the Game protesters have gathered. Protesters gather outside the Aviva Stadium Protesters from the Stop the Game campaign have started to gather outside the Aviva Stadium ahead of Ireland’s match against Austria this evening, Órla Ryan reports . A large Garda presence, as well as private security, is visible outside the stadium. Protesters expressed disappointment that last weekend’s match against Israel went ahead and said it wasn’t too late for Sunday’s match to be called off, though many conceded this was unlikely. David Sherlock, a lifelong fan of Irish football, said he might never watch the national team play again. “I’m a season-ticket holder at Shamrock Rovers, I have been going to Rovers games since 1967... “Most of us here in this group would be League of Ireland fans or soccer fans in general, and yeah, we’re just horrified. Now we have to think about maybe never going to an Ireland game again ... I don’t think I will actually.” Sherlock said Ireland, and the western world in general, needs to do more to support people in Palestine. “How long do you let it go on? Everyone just looks the other way, it’s terrible. People are being murdered in Gaza on a daily basis. Their universities have been wiped out. Their hospitals have been destroyed.” Paula Leavy said the Nations League fixtures between Ireland and Israel amounted to “sportswashing of genocide”. “As individuals, we have to try to do what we can and stand up for what we believe in.” Pádraic Grogan said he was “devastated” the first match went ahead last Sunday. He said the FAI should have refused to field a team, rather than putting the decision on the players. “It’s desperate that it’s being put on the players, but at the same time, the players are all adults ... We all know what’s happening in Gaza.” Grogan said the FAI’s board has handled the situation “desperately” and called on them to resign. Sr Julie Doran, of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of the Apostles, arrived with snacks, including some from Palestine, for the protesters. Sr Doran, who previously worked in Palestine, said she has attended a number of solidarity rallies. “We sisters have been in Palestine for many years ... They’re a beautiful people,” she said. “I’m supporting these people today, and my heart is for them.” A larger protest, organised by the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Irish Sport for Palestine, is expected to take place outside the Aviva at 6.30pm. Elsewhere in the Nations League, Portugal is also gripped by a football story as Cristiano Ronaldo walked out of the camp after a feud with manager Jorge Jesus. You can read more about that here, which has split the country. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal walkout divides a nation as Jorge Jesus asserts control Gavin Cooney reports: Ireland bus has arrived early, with maybe 15 protesters shouting “stop the game” and “shame”. From Gavin Cummiskey: The Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson has written directly to fans about an “incredibly difficult period” for his players, in the programme notes for tonight’s match against Austria. “It is difficult to put into words exactly what the last week has been like for this group of players and staff,” Hallgrímsson began. “Given the extraordinary circumstances we have just navigated, I feel it is important to speak directly to you about the events of the past few days. “They say in tough times, you find your leaders. That is where character truly steps up. It has been an incredibly difficult period but anyone who watched our recent matches saw Irish men fighting for their nation. “The players showed exactly how much this jersey means to them, not only to play for Ireland, but to perform a level of scrutiny and pressure that was truly unprecedented.” Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in Debrecen, Hungary last Sunday following two players votes on the Saturday in the team hotel to decide if the Nations League tie should go ahead. Gavin Bazunu withdrew from both Israel games on principle but the 24-year-old Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper is included in tonight’s match day squad. And some notes from Paul Cooke, the FAI president and David Courell, the FAI CEO: “We understand the feelings that many people have on [playing Israel] and we respect their right to share those in a constructive manner,” writes FAI president Paul Cooke. “However, the way in which players, FAI staff, board members and volunteers have been personally targeted in the past number of weeks was not done in a constructive and fair manner.” David Courell, the FAI chief executive, added: “We had wanted [the Austria game] to be followed by another game here on October 4th but circumstances dictated that that game against Isreal had to be moved to a neutral venue.” Ireland will complete a four-match window played across 10 days against Israel in a behind-closed-doors fixture at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola, Serbia on Sunday. “We apologise to our supporters for that but, quite simply, we had to ensure that the fixture was fulfilled.” Heimir Hallgrímsson on Gavin Bazunu and Finn Azaz in his programme notes: “I want to be clear about the decision made within this camp. Regarding Gavin Bazunu, he remains a vital part of this team. We supported his decision to take a personal stand, and he is here with us tonight as a member of our group. “I know this period has been tougher for him than perhaps anyone else, but he is one of us and he always will be.” Hallgrímsson continued: “Similarly, I want to mention Finn Azaz. I don’t normally like to single players out, but the desire and commitment Finn showed to stay in this camp despite the personal and external pressures he faced was remarkable. “I don’t have a large enough vocabulary in English to fully express how proud I am of the energy and heart these young men have shown.” Uefa has not revealed the sanctions for not fulfilling the Israel games, besides the loss of six points and two automatic 3-0 defeats, but Hallgrímsson added: Had we refused to play, the damage could have been severe. We faced the very real risk of significant sanctions that could have impacted our future. “As a group, the decided to stick together and protect the game in this country. We played, we performed and now we must move forward together. “These young men have raised awareness of the ongoing crisis through their actions their actions and their words, not just in Ireland, but world wide. “I hope you can understand the weight they have carried.” The Ireland team is out: Kelleher; Abankwah, Egan, O’Shea (capt), Scales, Manning; Coventry, Moylan, Azaz; Parrott, Idah Your Ireland starting XI to face Austria 🇮🇪 John Egan, Liam Scales & Finn Azaz all return with Dara O’Shea captaining the side©️ Kick-off in Dublin is 75 minutes away 🏟️☘️ pic.twitter.com/L73br1lcNx — Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) October 1, 2026 Azaz returns to the team, as do John Egan and Liam Scales, while Coventry and Moylan keep their place. On the protests, from Katie Mellett : “As chants of Ole ring out in Slattery’s pub, a group of protesters have gathered opposite with a number of flags saying “show Israel the red flag”. A large ball is being held up with protesters.. On it is don’t play ball with genocide is written in red and black writing. “Large crowds of Irish and Austrian fans are filing in. There is also a Garda presence with some on foot on horses and in vehicles.” One Irish supporter passing the protesters said that “shame” is not just with the FAI but also the Uefa. He praised the protesters for being “on the right side of history”. A number of organisations such as Granny Squares for Gaza, Dubs for Palestine, Stop the Game and the Irish Palestine Solidarity campaign have formed the protest. Protesters are holding Palestinian flags and Irish flags as well as signs. Hallgrímsson has decided to play Finn Azaz tonight, here is what he said in the presser before the match: “Yeah. I’ve had good conversations with Finn and obviously he’s just in a tricky situation. It’s difficult. He wants to belong to the national team of the Republic of Ireland. He wants to be a part of this squad and he’s shown it in actions. So yes, he wants to belong, but it’s difficult for him. And you can understand that from his background.” The player’s Israeli roots run deep, writes Gavin Cummiskey. His late grandfather Nehemia Azaz was a renowned sculptor there while he has said his grandmother was a general in the Israeli army before moving to England. His father Tim grew up in Cork, and Azaz spent a lot of his youth in the county – a connection that convinced him he wanted to play for Ireland rather than for England or Israel. Heimir Hallgrímsson on Finn Azaz: ‘It’s difficult for him, you can understand that from his background’ Austria’s Carney Chukwuemeka will be a danger man tonight for Austria, he could have played for Austria, France, Nigeria or England due to his heritage. He played for England at youth level from under-15s to under-20s, before switching nationality this year. The attacking midfielder plays for Borussia Dortmund. He played in the European under-19 final in 2022 for England, alongside now Ireland international Harvey Vale, against Israel. From Katie Mellett on the protests: A large poster of Gavin Bazunu is positioned behind the protesters with many saying they are standing in solidarity with the Irish player, expressed their pride in him and called on other players to do the same. The protest is growing in numbers as pro-Palestine and pro-Bazunu chants are heard. On the pitch, the players get announced to cheers, the stadium has a lot of empty seats with 10 minutes to kick-off, and most of the noise is coming from the Austrian travelling support for now. Ireland come on to the field and stand for the national anthems. Not a full house, but the crowd that is here have found their voice for the Irish team. The match is under way. 3 mins: Early chance for Austria which would have been controversial as Schmid shoved into Parrott and no foul, and then he tried to lob Kelleher from distance who was out of his goal. Just over the bar. 5 mins: Ireland’s first half-chance as Moylan puts in a dangerous ball into the mixer which Idah was in contention to win the header, just cleared though. Abankwah is playing well early on the right wing, with some good carries and wins a free about 40 metres out. Moylan’s free-kick leads to some head tennis before it is cleared away. 8 mins: Austria play a long ball over the top and striker Kalajdzic gets a hefty hit from Egan, no foul though to the delight of the home fans. Let him know you’re there tackle. Nippy feet from Moylan would have won a free in a dangerous area but the referee gives advantage which doesn’t lead to anything. Then Idah wins a battle along the touchline and from the resulting incident and ball is in mid-air and Manning rushes for it as Posch kicks. He claims a penalty but the referee says no. Have seen them given, but would have been harsh. 11 mins: More fine play by Abankwah, who intercepts, tidily shimmies a few tackles in an assured way. Moylan also beats a man but his pass is intercepted. 12 mins: WHAT A GOAL! TROY PARROTT! He beats one man, he nutmegs another, dribbles past another and slots it past the keeper. One of the best goals ever scored in this stadium! Ireland 1 Austria 0 The crowd went ballistic for that one, the “go ons” with every extra player that he beat. A special, special moment of genius by the main man Parrott. Here is that goal on video: 🇮🇪 1-0 🇦🇹 The Republic of Ireland lead in Dublin, and it's that man again, Troy Parrott with a stunning solo goal #rtesport 📺Watch live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player pic.twitter.com/AYWcp9IwWm — RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) October 1, 2026 Tennis ball protest: Some tennis balls thrown on the pitch in protest, which leads to some boos, the players have been called off the pitch temporarily. Four or five people picking up the tennis balls, probably no more than 15 or 20 thrown on the pitch. 22 mins: The match is back on here after a short delay from the protest, Austria starting to look more threatening as they increase their intensity. 25 mins: Best chance of the match for Austria so far after a smart chest down by Kalajdzic to Seiwald on the volley in the box, but it’s volleyed over. Scales then loses the ball in build-up, but gets away without conceding a shot on goal. 29 mins: More good play by Ireland, Parrott again electric with a dummy, which goes to Idah, the two interplay and win a corner. Moylan’s corner hits for the front post and is cleared though. 32 mins: Dangerous attack by Austria with Chukwuemeka squeezing in a ball to Wimmer in the box, but his shot is low and weak straight at Kelleher. Then Austria get in behind again with Chukwuemeke at the heart of it, Schlager’s shot is well blocked by Scales. Then from the corner a cross which sees a mix-up between Kelleher and his defender as he punches it straight up in the air, but it’s eventually cleared. 35 mins: Parrott gets a hit in the face with a challenge by Wimmer, who shoots and again Scales gets the block in. The match is delayed again briefly as there is a pitch invader, holding a Palestinian flag, he doesn’t get too far on to the pitch before getting taken away. 41 mins: Brilliant save by Kelleher! Scales gets turned by Kalajdzic in the box and he passes to Wimmer in front of goal who shoots high and is expertly tipped over by the goalkeeper. His handling of the next corner is not quite as good, misses the ball but after another corner Ireland escape. 🇮🇪 1-0 🇦🇹 Caoimhín Kelleher with a point blank save to keep Ireland in front #rtesport 📺Watch live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player pic.twitter.com/CAoxi8sRqs — RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) October 1, 2026 44 mins: Long ball by Kelleher is won superbly in the air by Abankwah, nice touch by Parrott and Moylan wins a corner. Penalty for Ireland! Good long ball by Azaz, a bit of scrambling in the box, poor by Mwene to clear it straight in front of his goal and Manning is fouled. Parrott has the ball. Goal for Ireland! Troy Parrott send the goalkeeper the wrong way. Strong penalty off the post. Ireland 2 Austria 0 🇮🇪 2-0 🇦🇹 It's two for Troy, and it's two for Ireland. The Betis man converts from the spot after Ryan Manning was fouled inside the box #rtesport 📺Watch live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player pic.twitter.com/Kvck76ygKD — RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) October 1, 2026 Into stoppage time now at the end of the half, one which couldn’t have gone much better for Ireland. Meanwhile, the crowd sings “there’s only one Gavin Bazunu”. Half-time: Ireland 2 Austria 0 A brilliant performance by Ireland, where the Aviva Stadium crowd that showed saw one of the best goals ever scored by their country. Troy Parrott, take a bow. From the protests outside the stadium, from Katie Mellett : Matthew Thornton said he was there to remind people that “there is still an opportunity for the second match to be cancelled”. “We strongly feel that the first match shouldn’t have gone ahead, but we think there’s still time for the players to take a stand.” “We know that there’s a strong feeling within the team that a lot of them are uncomfortable playing this match. ” Niamh Bonner also attended the protest and held up part of the granny squares for Gaza blanket along with her mother. She said that each of the 3,000 squares of the blanket represents 10 children who have died in Gaza. She, who is from Dublin but lives in the Midlands, said the blanket has been to the 32 counties in Ireland and formed part of many protests. “You get a certain amount of solace from lifting it ... because you’re remembering the children.” “These matches [against Israel] aren’t representative of the people,” she said. Elsewhere in the group, Israel and Kosovo are drawing 0-0 at half-time. As it stands, Ireland would go top on six points ahead of Austria on head-to-head record, with Kosovo on four and Israel on one. Long way to go though. The second half is under way, with Austria claiming for a penalty in the first minute after a long ball. They have made three changes at half-time, including bringing Bayern Munich star Konrad Laimer off the bench. 50 mins: Really nice play by the Austrians, cutting Ireland to shreds through the middle before Scales gets in a good tackle again. Nice bal from Kalajdzic to Wimmer again, who have combined plenty. 53 mins: Strong play by Schlager, powering through and a good low cross to Gregoritsch, who just missed it. All Austria this half so far, which will be a concern. 56 mins: Must be said the football Ireland have played tonight has been nice, lots of lovely flicks ons and moves, helped by the man up top facilitating it, Troy Parrott. Another one by Manning almost created a chance. 59 mins: Some frustrating by Kalajdzic for Austria as he runs the ball out of play and then kicks the ground in disgust. Rangnick not too impressed either. He hasn’t played badly has Kalajdzic though despite the score. The Austrian fans are gaining in voice cheering on their team. Ireland staying firm in defence for now. 61 mins: Azaz breaks through on the counter and Parrott tries to find Idah, but the ball gets intercepted. Poor touch by Abankwah on the wing puts himself under pressure and he takes out Schmid in a dangerous area, picks up a yellow card. The free-kick is whipped in but well punched away by Kelleher, strong goalkeeping. 63 mins: Liam Kitching is on for Liam Scales, who had a fine game at the back. Then Jayson Molumby is on for Adam Idah to short things up in midfield with the extra man. 67 mins: More nice play by Parrott, beats a man showing his strength and navigates well up the pitch before being cut out. The crowd lights up when he has the ball. 69 mins: Azaz find plenty of space on the wing and wins a corner, Egan penalised though for pushing over an Austrian defender in the box. 71 mins: Austria goal ruled out for offside. Big let off as Kitching was caught dawdling on the ball, Wimmer squared to Prass the substitute to score. Goal for Austria! After a VAR check, it’s given. Hard to argue with that, I don’t know where the flag was coming for there, seemed a straightforward goal. 🇮🇪 2-1 🇦🇹 Austria have a lifeline as Alexander Prass pulls one back, after a short VAR review#rtesport 📺Watch live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player pic.twitter.com/gl9AGCKDeR — RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) October 1, 2026 Ireland 2 Austria 1 74 mins: Austria piling on the pressure now and Wimmer nearly gets a goal himself after a great cross by Prass. Prass then is nearly through in the box, and O’Shea has to clear. Troy Parrott has been substituted. A standing ovation for Parrott well deserved. He is replaced by Ogbene. O’Brien comes on for Abankwah. 75 mins: Ireland have conceded a free-kick a few metres outside the box, this is dangerous. And so it proves... Goal for Austria! Oh no, Gregoritsch spoils the party by wrong-footing Kelleher on his own side. It’s poor keeping by Kelleher unfortunately. 🇮🇪 2-2 🇦🇹 It's level in Dublin as Michael Gregoritsch's free kick beats Caoimhín Kelleher #rtesport 📺Watch live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player pic.twitter.com/idZTIqNAip — RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) October 1, 2026 Ireland 2 Austria 2 79 mins: Ireland nearly ahead again, an incredible save by Wiegele. Manning crossed and it fell to O’Shea. He smashed it at the roof of the net from inside the box and Wiegele showed great reflexes. Ireland 2 Austria 2 Tonight’s attendance is just over 45,000, it has been announced. 82 mins: Big miss by Austria it seemed as Gregortisch was through on goal, although he was miles offside. He hit it over anyway. 86 mins: Austria look most likely to win now with Laimer making an impact since coming on at half-time. Ireland might take a point if it was offered now as Austria have a big chance on the counter 3 on 3, but can’t manage to get a good shot away. Another sub for Ireland, Cannon on for a last throw of the dice for Moylan. 88 mins: Ireland have a chance one end, Azaz finding Molumby in the box but he made a strange decision to lay it off and then on the counter, Ireland were in trouble it seemed with Austria calling for a handball but referee says it came off the chest. End to end stuff now. 90 mins: Another chance for Prass, deep cross and good head back by Kalajdzic, Prass blazes over in the box. Chance for Ireland, they had men over on the counter, Ogbene accelerating through and played a good pass to Azaz on the edge of the box, who hits it well over the bar unfortunately. 90+3 mins: Ireland win a free-kick and the crowd roars for one last chance. No Parrott on the pitch, someone else would have to be the hero tonight. Clever free-kick by Kelleher to Ogbene on the wing who puts in a good cross but goes past everyone to the back post where Manning goes for the top corner but just misses. Full-time: Ireland 2 Austria 2 Missed opportunity for Ireland with a two-goal lead at half-time, but also a draw was a fair enough result considering the chances that Austria had in the second half. Troy Parrott’s first goal will live long in the memory. In the other game in the group, Kosovo against Israel was a 0-0 draw so it’s as you were in the group. Austria top on seven points, Kosovo on four, Ireland on four, Israel on one. Hallgrímsson on RTÉ: “We lost organisation due to tiredness, then you see mistakes. That’s something we didn’t want to see, but I kind of expected us to be out of gas at some point, maybe not as quickly as I’d like, but it was a mentally taxing week. “I haven’t seen my team score a goal as good as that, Parrott has been absolutely fantastic for us, he’s flying at the moment. We felt he was getting tired and we didn’t want him to get injured. I think in the end the 2-2 draw was deserved, they put us under a lot pressure and we struggled to deal with it. “Hopefully we can do another good performance in three days. If someone had invited a draw against Austria I would have taken it. But you never want to give up a two-goal lead.” He says everyone will travel to Serbia and everyone will be ready for that, except Gavin, he will stay at home. Abankwah will also miss the next game through suspension. He says he doesn’t like to see the protests disrupting the game but he can understand it and respect it. Mary Hannigan has written about Troy Parrott’s wonder goal, calling him “Paradonna”. Read about it here: Paradonna lights up the Aviva with a twisty, turny, dribbly, nutmeggy piece of art