Match Centre

Austria's 3-1 victory was thoroughly deserved, with their vastly superior chance creation (1.8xG from 19 shots, including 9 on target) eclipsing Israel's meagre attacking output (0.5xG from 5 shots, only 1 on target). The hosts' 51% possession translated into consistent penetration (15 shots inside the box vs Israel's 3), with Romano Schmid's 43rd-minute penalty setting the template before late goals from Phillipp Mwene (90') and Sasa Kalajdzic (90+3') punished Israel's defensive collapse.

The game turned decisively when Sayd Abu Farhi - who'd briefly equalised in the 55th minute - received a straight red card a minute later for violent conduct. Israel folded thereafter, conceding 12 of Austria's 19 shots after going down to 10 men. Paul Wanner (2 assists) and Christoph Lang (1 assist) proved impactful substitutes, exploiting the extra space against a depleted defence. Austria's four corners to Israel's two further underlined their territorial dominance.

The most telling stat: Israel managed just one shot on target all game - their 55th-minute equaliser - as Austria's defensive unit restricted them to only five attempts total, showcasing Rangnick's organised press (15 fouls to Israel's 4).