After beating Norway in the final group stage match, the Austrian team danced at the subsequent press conference. But after the match against Germany, there were only sad faces.
“Big sister” became overpowering for Austria, who are not defending their semi-final spot from European Championship 2017.
It took 25 minutes before the German attack found its way past the red-clad defenders. Klara Buhl was able to hit a well-balanced pass towards two teammates in the middle of the penalty area from the far side of the goal yard. Alexandra Popp chose to step over the ball to give Lina Magull the chance.
The Bayern Munich midfielder didn’t hesitate and placed the ball to make it 1-0 behind Manuela Zinsberger.
Although Austria had a few chances to equalise, the most dangerous was perhaps a post shot after just under an hour of play, there was no turning point. Germany owned the game and was able to hold on for victory.
As if Germany’s dominance wasn’t enough, it was a goalkeeping blunder that determined the final result. Zinsberger completely failed in his attempt to kick the ball up just before full time. Instead, it bounced straight at Alexandra Popp and in to make it 2–0.
Austria is thus eliminated from the championship.
Germany, on the other hand, can dance into the semi-finals where they face either France or the Netherlands.