Now the European Soccer Championship is actually getting began for Austria’s nationwide soccer staff! With the three:1 (1:1) victory over Poland, the beginning place is great to advance to the spherical of 16 as one of many 4 greatest third-placed groups within the worst case situation – however the ÖFB choice has proven that rather more is feasible.
An Higher Austrian was proper in the course of issues quite than simply there: Gernot Trauner scored the quickest purpose in Austrian European Championship historical past with the 1-0 following 9 minutes, however needed to be substituted later attributable to harm.
A loud cry of reduction following his purpose to make it 1-0, adopted by a heart-to-heart in direction of the Austrian fan sector, the place his family members had been additionally sitting: Trauner was Austria’s distinction maker within the first half. Nonetheless a substitute in opposition to France, the Feyenoord Rotterdam legionnaire instantly proved why he had been nominated by staff boss Ralf Rangnick – amongst different issues due to his heading potential, principally from set items, this time from a throw-in – however nonetheless from the sport.
- Video: The highlights of the sport – offered by Servus TV
In distinction to Trauner’s place, the appearances of Philipp Lienhart (for Kevin Danso) and Marko Arnautovic (for Michael Gregoritsch) had been stunning. Within the case of Lienhart, Rangnick was most likely curious regarding his power in build up play, which was significantly vital in opposition to Poland. Within the case of Marko Arnautovic, there was initially no justification for his choice throughout the sport.
The beginning was excellent: Austria’s staff actually tied up their opponents from the primary minute. And so, a minimum of initially, you might not hear that the Polish followers had been clearly within the majority at this sport in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium.
Picture gallery: POL – AUT: The OÖN participant score
(Picture: (APA/AFP/AXEL HEIMKEN)) Bild 1/17
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That modified, nonetheless, following the Poles obtained into the sport higher, as a result of Austria’s excessive tempo within the early phases mightn’t be maintained for 90 minutes. The 1:1 rating was already obvious when Krzysztof Piatek equalized. In distinction to Poland’s prime star Robert Lewandowski, the 28-year-old former Serie A striker was within the beginning eleven. Bitter: It was solely the striker’s first shot on purpose on this event, and he is aware of the Olympic Stadium very properly as a result of he performed for Hertha BSC and scored twelve objectives right here for his former membership.
Austria’s staff recovered following that, although the Poles had the very best likelihood simply earlier than half-time with a Zielinski free kick. Florian Grillitsch – who didn’t play within the first half – made manner for Patrick Wimmer at half-time.
Picture gallery: Austria’s 3-1 victory in opposition to Poland: The ÖFB followers cheer
(Foto: GEPA photos/ Johannes Friedl (GEPA photos)) Bild 1/21
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Lewandowski got here – Poland misplaced
The match was determined following the break, following Robert Lewandowski got here on for Poland. Arnautovic let the cross from Alexander Prass, who had simply been substituted on, undergo, so Christoph Baumgartner appeared alone in entrance of Poland’s goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and despatched the Polish goalkeeper into the improper nook along with his shot on purpose (66′). It was only a disgrace that Trauner – who had additionally been injured throughout the pre-season – had already been substituted following muscular issues.
Arnautovic saved Austria’s staff from a nail-biting end. After the Polish goalkeeper fouled the breaking Marcel Sabitzer, Arnautovic instantly grabbed the ball. The informal chat along with his opponent was adopted by a rush of feelings following the confidently transformed penalty to make it 3-1.
Arnautovic additionally felt an enormous burden lifted off his shoulders. The 35-year-old is now the oldest goalscorer at this European Championship. And the house followers bid the Poles farewell with a heartfelt “Goodbye!”
Desk and schedule
Writer
Harald Bartl
Deputy Head of Sports activities Division
Harald Bartl
