Austria’s Late Goals Secure Crucial Win, Eliminate Poland from Euro 2024

Austria secured a crucial victory with two late goals against Poland, boosting their hopes of reaching the last 16 at Euro 2024. In contrast, Poland became the first nation to be knocked out of the tournament. Following Austria’s win and France’s draw with the Netherlands, Poland is destined to finish bottom of Group D, even if they win their final match.

Both Austria and Poland, having lost their opening matches, approached their Berlin encounter with the understanding that another defeat could end their tournament hopes. The high stakes created a knockout tie atmosphere at the Olympiastadion, with both sets of fans contributing to a lively environment and a frenetic pace on the pitch.

Austria struck first when Gernot Trauner headed home Phillipp Mwene’s cross at the near post. Poland, initially struggling to get out of their half, soon found their footing and pushed for an equalizer. It came after 30 minutes when Krzysztof Piatek fired a rebound into the net following a poorly cleared cross and a blocked shot by Jan Bednarek.

As the match progressed, clear chances were scarce, even with the introduction of Poland’s star striker Robert Lewandowski from the bench. However, Austria found the breakthrough in the final stages. Marko Arnautovic’s clever dummy allowed Christoph Baumgartner to advance and calmly slot the ball past Wojciech Szczesny from the edge of the area. Austria sealed their victory a few minutes later when Marcel Sabitzer, after being brought down by Szczesny, saw Arnautovic convert the resulting penalty.

Austria’s fans celebrated wildly as their team, having narrowly lost to France in their opener, now look forward to their next match against the Netherlands in Dortmund with renewed hope of progression.

Poland, on the other hand, became the first of the 24 teams to be eliminated from Euro 2024. They can still finish level on points with Austria, but the head-to-head record means their tournament is over regardless. Poland’s final match against France is now only a matter of pride, with hopes that Lewandowski, their record goalscorer, can start after his thigh injury.

Despite a rousing reception from the fans when Lewandowski was introduced for the final half-hour, he could not find the breakthrough. His teammates failed to create any significant chances for him, and it was Arnautovic, starting his first competitive game for Austria since September, who ultimately settled the match.

Austria’s coach, Ralf Rangnick, described this match as the “most important” since he took charge in April 2022. Before their defeat to France, Austria had only lost one of their previous 16 games, a run that led many to tip them as the tournament’s surprise package. Christoph Baumgartner, named player of the match, embraced this underdog tag, stating it motivated the team.

Poland’s coach, Michal Probierz, clarified that Lewandowski was fully fit despite starting on the bench, a decision made with the medical team and Lewandowski to manage the match’s intensity. Probierz lamented their inability to break through Austria’s defense in the second half and secure the needed goals.