The Austrian football players have achieved an important victory at the European Championship on Monday evening. The team of national coach Irene Fuhrmann was 2-0 too strong for Northern Ireland in Southampton.
Austria had the initiative in the opening phase, but rarely found a gap in the Northern Ireland defense. A standard situation preceded the opening goal in the twentieth minute. Katharina Schiechtl tapped in a deflected free kick from Sarah Puntigam from close range.
It could have been 2-0 in St. Mary’s Stadium just before half-time, but keeper Jacqueline Burns was shocked when she just played the ball into the feet of Austria midfielder Barbara Dunst. Burns corrected her mistake by holding the bet out of the goal with her fingertips through the crossbar.
Austria held their ground in the second half and made it 2-0 in the 87th minute. Substitute Katharina Naschenweng outplayed two opponents and left keeper Burns without a chance from close by, allowing the Austrians to book their first victory of the European Championship.
Last week, the England of national coach Sarina Wiegman was too strong for the semi-finalist of the European Championship of 2017 in the opening game with 1-0. Northern Ireland went down in the first game of the tournament against Norway (4-1). no chance for the next round.
Austria closes the group stage against Norway, which was humiliated by England on Monday evening: 8-0. Wiegman’s team is already certain of a place in the last eight.
Standings in group A
- 1. England 2-6 (+9)
- 2. Austria 2-3 (+1)
- 3. Norway 2-3 (-5)
- 4. Northern Ireland 2-0 (-5)
Austria recorded a trouble-free victory over Northern Ireland.
Austria recorded a trouble-free victory over Northern Ireland. Photo: Getty Images