Austria acquired off the mark at Euro 2024 with a 3-1 victory over Poland, with second-half objectives from Christoph Baumgartner and Marko Arnautovic deciding an entertaining contest.
Austria flew out of the traps in Berlin as Poland struggled to get an early foothold, and Ralf Rangnick’s crew led inside 9 minutes. Phillipp Mwene delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, and Gernot Trauner powered his header dwelling on the close to submit.
Poland ought to have levelled inside 9 additional minutes, just for Nicola Zalewski to raise a wild effort over the crossbar. Nonetheless, they did get their equaliser on the half-hour mark.
A lucky deflection off Trauner noticed the ball fall to Krzysztof Piatek, who stored his composure to fit into the bottom-right nook and reward Poland’s enchancment.
Having missed final week’s defeat to the Netherlands with a thigh harm, Poland talisman Robert Lewandowski was launched from the bench on the hour mark, nevertheless it was Austria who regained the lead seven minutes later via Baumgartner.
Arnautovic dummied Alexander Prass’ ball infield, permitting Baumgartner to ship Wojciech Szczesny the mistaken means with a composed end from the sting of the field.
2 – Christoph Baumgartner has scored at two completely different EURO’s – turning into the primary participant to attain this feat for the Austrian nationwide crew. Aim. #EURo2024 #POLAUT pic.twitter.com/pPAWVKiuKf
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) June 21, 2024
Arnautovic then made the factors secure from the penalty spot with 12 minutes remaining, changing into the bottom-right nook after Marcel Sabitzer had raced clear and been felled by Szczesny.
Austria ought to have had a fourth late on as Konrad Laimer shot throughout the face of aim after rounding Szczesny, however their victory means avoiding defeat in opposition to the Netherlands subsequent Tuesday would possible ship them via to the final 16.
Information Debrief: Arnautovic on the spot
On the age of 35 years and 63 days, Arnautovic turned the third-oldest participant to attain a penalty on the Euros, after Ivica Vastic (38 years, 257 days) and Cristiano Ronaldo (three penalties scored on the age of 36).
A shock inclusion after being benched for Austria’s 1-0 loss to France, the Inter man led the road impressively, profitable seven of his 9 whole duels and drawing three fouls.
Arnautović #EURO2024 | #POLAUT pic.twitter.com/jBXdFPQ2Re
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 21, 2024
