Austria secured a 3-1 victory over Poland in their Euro 2024 Group D match on Friday to renew hopes of a top-two finish and a spot in the knockout stage while leaving their opponents in last place with no points and only a slim chance of advancing.
In a furious start, the Austrians, now on three points from two matches applied early pressure and it paid off in the ninth minute with Gernot Trauner’s powerful header at the near post.
Poland, who have now lost both of their matches, levelled through Krzysztof Piatek’s second attempt in the box after his first effort was blocked on the half-hour mark.
Fit-again Poland striker Robert Lewandowski came on in the 60th minute, but it was Austria who scored twice more, first with a flowing move and Christoph Baumgartner finish just inside the box in the 66th and a Marco Arnautovic penalty 12 minutes later.
Man of the match Baumgartner spoke of the pressure which did not let them sleep on the eve of the match.
“The first half was not as we had expected it. But overall, very positive. We were not that pushy after the 20th minute. The whole nation deserved it and we are happy to have won it.
“Everybody is extremely happy. There was a lot of pressure on us and we couldn’t really have an afternoon nap yesterday (Thursday) because we were so stressed. We’re really relieved, but we know this is only the start and there are big challenges ahead,” Baumgartner, who plays for Leipzig, said.
Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen congratulated the team. “3:1! I congratulate the Austrian national team and their coach. The entire country is happy with this wonderful game.”
