OGUN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The polish national team has been eliminated from the ongoing Euro tournament following a defeat by Austria in Berlin.
Poland becomes the first team to be knocked out of the competition and would play France in their last game.
Two late goals gave Austria a hard-fought win that boosted their hopes of reaching the last 16 at Euro 2024 with a must win game against Netherlands.
Austria and Poland had lost their opening matches, with both team knowing that a lose in Berlin could spell the end of their tournament.
This result, followed by France’s draw with the Netherlands later on Friday, meant Poland will finish bottom of Group D even if they win their final game.
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The high stakes gave the encounter the feel of a knockout tie, with both sets of fans creating a noisy atmosphere at the Olympiastadion, matched by a frenetic tempo on the pitch.
It was Austria who struck first, when Gernot Trauner rose at the near post to head home Phillipp Mwene’s cross.
“Poland were struggling to get out of their own half at that point but quickly improved and began pushing for an equaliser.”
“It arrived after 30 minutes, when a cross from the right was not properly cleared, and although Jan Bednarek’s shot was blocked, Krzysztof Piatek was first to the rebound to fire low into the net.”
Clear chances were at a premium after that, even when Poland’s talismanic striker Robert Lewandowski belatedly emerged off the bench, but as the game entered the final stages it was Austria who found the inspiration they needed.
Marko Arnautovic’s dummy allowed Christoph Baumgartner time and space to advance to the edge of the area, before he coolly slotted past Wojciech Szczesny.
Austria’s victory was sealed a few minutes later. With Poland pouring forward in search of an equaliser, Marcel Sabitzer ran clear and although he was brought down by Szczesny, Arnautovic converted the resulting penalty.
BBC Sport