European Women’s Championship | Austria is in the quarterfinals

Austria has qualified as Germany’s opponent for the quarter-finals of the women’s European Football Championship.

Thanks to a goal by Hoffenheim’s Bundesliga player Nicole Billa, the Austria team defeated Norway 1-0 (1-0) on the last day of the preliminary round in Group A in Brighton and moved into the next round in second place behind hosts England.

The Norwegians around their star Ada Hegerberg disappointed again after the 0:8 against England and are eliminated. For the selection of coach Irene Fuhrmann, striker Billa, Germany and Austria’s “Footballer of the Year” of 2021, scored with a header in the 37th minute. Goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger had to save the victory with two saves in the last few minutes. The DFB women, who have already qualified for the first knockout round, will play next Thursday in London-Brentford against the team from the neighboring country.

Meanwhile, England, who had already been determined as quarter-finalists before the game, defeated Northern Ireland 5-0 (2-0) in Southampton and recommended themselves as the favorites for the title. Francesca Kirby (40′), Beath Mead (44′) and Alessia Russo (48’/53′) scored the goals for the Lionesses. There was also an own goal by Kelsie Burrows (76th).

England’s national coach Sarina Wiegman, who led the Netherlands to the European Championship triumph five years ago, was absent due to a positive corona test. The host team will play against Spain or Denmark on Wednesday for a place in the semi-finals.