Despite the bitter defeat in the quarter-finals of the European Championship against Germany, the Austrians were celebrated by their fans with standing ovations. The ÖFB women played a great tournament and also sold themselves dearly against their neighbors.
Apparently Austria’s footballers didn’t really know what was happening to them. Captain Carina Wenninger and her teammates stood in front of the stands after the 2-0 defeat against Germany, bitterly disappointed – and were celebrated by their fans. There was a standing ovation for minutes at Brentford Community Stadium.
It was well-deserved reward for how expensive the team had sold itself throughout the tournament with top opponents England, Norway and, of course, Germany. Goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger said proudly: “Here a small nation makes itself big!”
Even though the German fans were clearly in the majority in the quarter-final duel, the Austrians had created a great atmosphere and cheered their team on until the final whistle. “It was really fun to play in this atmosphere,” said the professional footballer from WFC Arsenal, “and I’m happy that so many Austrians were there. That’s really not to be taken for granted given the current situation with flights.”
Will the support in Austria continue after the EM?
In 2017, the Austrian team sensationally reached the semi-finals and only lost to Denmark on penalties. Five years later, Irene Fuhrmann’s team, who succeeded Dominik Thalhammer in 2020, not only played a strong European Championship again, but also inspired football fans far beyond their own national borders – not least with their victory celebrations.
I’m incredibly proud of the team’s performance – at the whole European Championship.
Team boss Fuhrmann now hopes that not only her team can “take the momentum with them”, but also that the enthusiasm that her team caused in Austria “doesn’t die down so quickly”. The ÖFB women have already secured second place in the World Cup qualifying group D behind England. This entitles you to participate in the play-offs. Fuhrmann: “The first World Cup participation is within reach.”
The Austrians will play their first game after the European Championship on September 3 at home against England. “We had incredible support during the European Championship,” said Fuhrmann. “And I hope there will be a lot of spectators against England. The team definitely deserves the support.”
Zinsberger: “Can take the next steps”
Zinsberger was slow to find her smile again after the defeat. The team had been euphoric for a long time, but the 0:2 in the 90th minute by DFB captain Alexandra Popp tore the Austrians out of their dream of participating in the semifinals again. And the goalkeeper was responsible for the second goal with a mistake.
But with a little distance, the 26-year-old said: “I’m proud of the team and also of myself. I’m feeling a little better now. And with this performance we can take the next steps as a team.”