20:08 – Match summary
The exciting Austria that so seduced Europe during the season is back! Already with its back against the wall after its defeat in the first match against France (0-1), Ralf Rangnick’s team has regained its attractive football and its mastery of play to get the best of a Polish team that is far too feverish. In fact, Poland only existed in the game at the end of the first half. Piatek’s goal (30th) reflected more a certain opportunism in the area than a real strength and desire to disrupt the opponent. Opportunities were rare for Robert Lewandowski’s partners, who came on in the second half but seemed lost on the pitch due to his lack of pace. Conversely, we enjoyed the constant threat from the Austrians in front of Szczesny’s goals. In addition to the goals from Trauner (9th, header), Baumgartner (66th, on a nice shot) and Arnautovic (78th), the spectators took pleasure in the beautiful offensive combinations and the great activity of Sabitzer on the right flank. We will also note the good performance of the two central defenders Posch and Lienhart, daring in their projections towards the opposing goal.
The score could even have been heavier with more skill in front of the goals from Sabitzer (17th, 39th, 42nd), Posch (51st, 84th), Wimmer (75th) and Laimer (85th). By making some tactical adjustments and removing three players compared to the typical team that started against the Blues, Ralf Rangnick was able to bring more verticality to his team’s play and better collective performance. The Netherlands will certainly not have an easy task in the third match. On the other hand, almost eliminated from the competition, the Polish team was once again disappointing in a major tournament (exit in the first round of EURO 2020). The last meeting in four days against the Blues unfortunately risks being anecdotal.
20:05 – Austria moves back into the rankings
While waiting for the meeting between France and the Netherlands this evening, Austria even takes first place in the group with 3 pts with the same goal difference (+2) but more goals scored than the Batavians and the Blues, respectively 2 goals and 1 goal. Poland, for its part, brings up the rear with zero points, and sees its chances of qualifying increasingly slim.
19:55 – Final whistle!
It’s over in Berlin. Austria, impressive today, delivered a real offensive performance. More realistic and more creative in the game, Ralf Rangnick’s team logically gained the upper hand over a weak Polish opponent who is almost eliminated from the competition. Lewandowski’s entry was even counterproductive in the last half hour.
19:54 – Grosicki attempts a volley
The former Rennes player, Grosicki, who entered in the last quarter of an hour, attempts an extended volley. It lacked fluidity and precision. The ball goes past the Austrian goals.
19:52 – 4 minutes of added time!
Turkish referee Mr. Umut Meler grants four minutes of added time in the second half.
19:50 – Austria is having fun!
Faced with discouraged Poles, Austria rotated the ball without too much difficulty. Urbanski came on in place of Zielinski on the Polish side.
19:47 – Poland no longer sees the light of day!
Laimer in turn passes very close to the fourth Austrian goal. In the area he goes around Szczesny but sees his shot, a little too cross, narrowly misses the right post.
19:45 – What a strike from Posch!
Magnificent tense shot from Austrian defender Posch. Szczecny pushes the ball away with difficulty. Poland is in agony.
19:39 – Arnautovic takes the break
Arnautovic wrong-footed the Polish goalkeeper and gave Austria the break (3-1). The very important victory is taking shape for Rangnick’s men.
19:38 – Penalty for Austria
Sabitzer appears alone in the area, getting the better of Bednarek, he is unbalanced by Szczesny at the time of the strike. Undoubted penalty for Austria.
19:35 – Austria very close to break!
Huge save from Szczecny on a shot in the Wimmer area. The Austrian midfielder nevertheless aimed his shot well
19:29 – Baumgartner deceives Szczesny!
Austria regains the advantage thanks to the skill of Christoph Baumgartner. The Leipzig playmaker inherits a nice pass from Prass before arming a tense shot which catches the Polish goalkeeper on the wrong foot. 2-1 for Austria.
19:26 – Yellow card for Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski receives a yellow card for elbowing Lienhart.
19:25 – Big mess in the Polish area
Big mess in front of Szczesny’s goals, this does not benefit the Austrians. The Polish defense can clear in two stages
19:20 – Lewandowski enters!
The Polish striker replaces Bucsa in the Polish attack. While Piatek leaves his place to Swiderski