Kalajdzic winner sends Austria to League A as Republic of Ireland lose in Linz

Austria secured automatic promotion to Nations League A with a 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in Linz on Saturday. Substitute Sasa Kalajdzic scored the decisive goal at the Raiffeisen Arena, leaving the visitors unable to finish top of their group. BBC Sport reported that Austria's win guaranteed first place with one fixture remaining.

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Kalajdzic struck in the 79th minute after Michael Gregoritsch headed a corner back across goal. Caoimhin Kelleher pushed the ball away but could not keep it from reaching the substitute, who finished from close range. The breakthrough followed a series of saves by both goalkeepers in a match that had offered opportunities at either end.

Troy Parrott had tested Alexander Schlager with an acrobatic attempt from Dara O'Shea's delivery and a shot from distance before half-time. Kelleher also denied Christoph Baumgartner and Christoph Lang. After the interval, Ryan Manning and Parrott forced further saves from Schlager, while Austria continued to threaten through Gregoritsch and Baumgartner without initially finding a way through.

The Republic still had a chance to salvage a point after falling behind. Chiedozie Ogbene met Liam Scales' cross in the 86th minute, but directed his header at Schlager. That missed opportunity left Ireland without the equaliser they were seeking and confirmed a defeat after the teams had drawn 2-2 in Dublin the previous month.

Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson described the result as painful in comments to RTE reported by BBC Sport. He believed his team had deserved at least a draw, while acknowledging that victory had been necessary to keep their challenge for first place alive. His frustration centred on the chances and promising positions Ireland had created without converting them into a goal.

Hallgrimsson nevertheless defended the players' effort, saying they had carried out what the coaching staff asked of them. He balanced that assessment with the need to turn performances into wins, rather than take satisfaction only from signs of progress. The Republic must now beat Kosovo to secure second place and a promotion play-off, according to the BBC's match report. Austria, by contrast, have settled their promotion target before the final round.