Ralf Rangnick’s Austria secured their first victory at UEFA Euro 2024 with an impressive 3-1 win against Group D rivals Poland in Berlin. This victory extends Austria’s remarkable record to eight unbeaten outings in their last nine matches, showcasing their growing prowess on the European stage.
A Determined Start
Despite an unfortunate yet valiant defeat to France in their opening match, Austria entered this game with a clear objective: defeat was not an option. From the first whistle, Rangnick’s side displayed their determination, dominating the early stages of the match. Their efforts were soon rewarded when Gernot Trauner found the back of the net with a glancing header, expertly picked out by Phil Mwene. Trauner’s header sailed beyond Wojciech Szczęsny, giving Austria a well-deserved lead.
Poland’s Resilience
However, Poland, not to be outdone, responded with resilience. Midway through the first half, Krzysztof Piątek capitalized on a sustained period of Polish pressure, steering home a bouncing ball inside the penalty area to equalize. Piątek, who had scored 13 times at the Olympiastadion for Hertha Berlin, seemed at home as he celebrated his goal.
Austria Regains Control
Austria struggled to find their rhythm at the start of the second half, but their quality eventually shone through. Just after the hour mark, Christoph Baumgartner restored Austria’s lead with a well-executed team move. Baumgartner’s finish was clinical, as he deftly placed the ball into the far corner, leaving Szczęsny with no chance.
Sealing the Victory
The decisive moment came ten minutes before the end. Marcel Sabitzer’s surging run drew a foul from Szczęsny, resulting in a penalty. Referee Halil Umut Meler had no choice but to point to the spot. Marko Arnautović stepped up confidently and converted the penalty, sealing a 3-1 victory for Austria. This win not only keeps Austria’s hopes of progression alive but also severely dents Poland’s chances, as they failed to capitalize on their earlier equalizer.
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