There are plenty of 2020/21 UEFA Nations League fixtures to enjoy on Sunday the 11th of October including the meeting between Northern Ireland and Austria. The game will be played at Windsor Park, Belfast with the hosts bottom of the group on 1 point and the visitors in second place on 3 points.
Northern Ireland come into the game having played in a European Championship playoff match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
⚽ @nmcginn10 with the goal that brought us level! What a finish! #GAWA 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jUMWVI6Tte— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) October 9, 2020
⚽ @nmcginn10 with the goal that brought us level! What a finish! #GAWA 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jUMWVI6Tte
They fell a goal behind in the first half but produced a strong second half performance to score the equaliser and take the match all the way to penalties. It was Northern Ireland who held their nerve and they will be delighted to have reached the playoff final.
Northern Ireland started their Nations League campaigned with a 1-1 draw away from home against Romania. Having fallen behind in the 25th minute and seeing a man sent off just 4 minutes later, Northern Ireland did well to stay in the game and managed to score an equaliser with only 4 minutes remaining on the clock.
Despite that good result, Northern Ireland were disappointing in their first home fixture of the group. Normally difficult to beat at home, with the score at 1-1, Northern Ireland conceded two further goals before half time to go in losing 3-1. As they tried to score the goals to get back into the match in the second half, Norway picked them off quickly and it was 5-1`with over 30 minutes remaining in the game.
Austria’s most recent game in this group ended with a shock 3-2 loss at home against Romania. With the score at 1-1 going into the second half, Romania scored goals in the 51st and 69th minute to open a 3-1 lead. Austria got a goal back with 10 minutes remaining but could not find the equaliser.
However, Austria have 3 points to their name thanks to their victory in the opening round of games against Norway. Austria were 2-0 up early in the second half and despite the Norwegians getting a goal back they held on to take maximum points in Oslo.
Austria decided to play a friendly match on Wednesday night and defeated Greece 2-1 at home. Austria fell behind in the second half but scored two late goals to win the game.
Team news and Northern Ireland are likely to make a few changes from their match in Bosnia. The game went to extra-time and penalties so it will be interesting to see the starting XI selected by Ian Baraclough.
Austria will be hoping David Alaba can take his place in the starting XI. Christoph Baumgartner and Adrian Grbić will both be hoping to feature having scored in the win over Greece.
This has the makings of being a tough game for Northern Ireland especially following their exertions in the European championship playoffs. Austria will fancy their chances of coming away with the victory and we could see a 1-0 win for the away team.