Parrott double not enough as Austria fight back to draw in Dublin

The Republic of Ireland drew 2-2 with Austria in the UEFA Nations League in Dublin after Troy Parrott scored twice in the first half. The game was played at the Aviva Stadium and was Ireland's third match in Group B. BBC Sport

Parrott opened the scoring with a goal to remember. He took a pass from Adam Idah around 20 yards out, slipped the ball through Philipp Lienhart's legs — a nutmeg — then stepped past David Affengruber before shooting through goalkeeper Florian Wiegele's legs.

It was special. Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said afterwards: "There aren't many players that can do what he did."

Parrott added a second on the stroke of half-time. He scored from the penalty spot, the kick given for a foul in the box, to give Ireland a 2-0 lead at the break. The two goals took his Ireland tally to 14 goals in 40 caps. BBC Sport

Austria hit back after half-time. They scored twice in the second half to level at 2-2, according to UEFA's round-up of Matchday 3. UEFA

The first Austrian goal came shortly before Parrott left the pitch. He was substituted in the 75th minute, replaced by Chiedozie Ogbene, and Austria grabbed their second soon after to complete the comeback.

Hallgrimsson was full of praise for his striker despite the dropped points. He said Parrott's first goal will be replayed "again and again for many years to come" and called it "magical for Irish football to have him in a green shirt." He added it was a shame such a goal did not bring a win, but "you will be watching it anyway for years to come."

Parrott is in a rich run of form. Nine of his 14 Ireland goals have come in his last six competitive games. He had also scored in the 3-0 win over Israel earlier in the campaign, Ireland's first Nations League victory of the season, and he joined Spanish club Real Betis in the summer. FAI

Before that, he scored a hat-trick against Hungary, finished with a last-gasp winner that secured a World Cup play-off place.

What makes this stand out is the mix of joy and frustration. For 45 minutes, Ireland had a two-goal lead and a striker playing with total belief. For fans, this means another night where Parrott carried the attack, and another reminder of how quickly a lead can disappear at this level.