Austria kept their chances of promotion alive with a 2-0 (1-0) win over Northern Ireland. A draw is enough for the Austrians in their final group match against Norway. Two goals were scored by players from the German Bundesliga.

In glorious summer weather at Southampton Stadium, the starting position was clear: both teams lost their first matches: Austria 0-1 against England, Northern Ireland 1-4 against Norway. A win here will only do if you still want a faint chance of reaching the knockout rounds.

Austria go into the match as favorites after a recent 3-1 win over Northern Ireland in a World Cup qualifier. Immediately after kick-off on the pitch it was like this: Austria took control and Northern Ireland were initially solid in defence.

Pundigam drives, Schechel scores – 1:0

Midfield director Sara Puntigam, who will play for 1. FC Koln in the Bundesliga next season, also had scoring chances. In the 10th minute, Nicole Billa from TSG Hoffenheim made a great shot on a free in the right half. However, Germany’s “Footballer of the Year 2021” shot wide of the post from 13 yards out.

However, the Austrians soon took the lead: after 19 minutes, Puntigam brought a free-kick from inside just before the goal, Werder Bremen’s Katarina Scheichel, making her European Championship debut, converted from close range. The right to make it 1-0 is long overdue. By then, Austria had 70 percent possession.

Northern Ireland is harmless

Against Norway, Northern Ireland were without their best player Simone Magill – the Aston Villa attacker injured her knee – and faltered offensively in the first half. Thanks to goalkeeper Jackie Burns who tipped Barbara Dunst’s lob over the crossbar in the 41st minute.

After a good hour the Northern Irish keeper got lucky – and the opening stages of the second half were uneventful – with another shot from Dunst. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker unleashed a superb volley from the edge of the box – Burns deflected the ball over the bar.

Austria can be pushed back

On the whole, however, the Northern Irish have now advanced somewhat, and this may result in new territories for Austria. However, the women from the Alpine Republic increasingly let themselves be held back and the game got more and more out of hand. Northern Ireland’s Kirsty McGuinness tested Austria goalkeeper Manuela Sinzberger for the first time after 65 minutes.

However, overall, the attacking game of Northern Ireland remained very transparent and error-free, so that the Austrians managed to score a 2-0 goal (88th), thus the decision in the last stage through substitute Katharina Naschengweng from TSG Hoffenheim. Austria needed a point to qualify for the quarter-finals in their final match against Norway. The reason was the Norwegians’ heavy defeat in the evening against the group winners, the hosts. Northern Ireland on the other hand were eliminated as they were sure to finish last in the group.