A 1-0 win over Norway in Brighton secured Irene Fuhrmann’s side a second place in the quarter-finals in Group A, six points behind England. As a reward, the duel with Pool B winner and record European champion Germany awaits in Brentford on Thursday.
Hoffenheim striker Nicole Billa became the match winner in front of 12,667 spectators at the home of English Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion. The second most successful goalscorer in ÖFB history scored the 44th time in team dress. This secured the first win in the sixth encounter with the two-time European champion and world number eleven after four defeats had only resulted in a draw.
A very explosive game awaits in the quarter-finals, especially since 14 current ÖFB squad players are under contract with German Bundesliga clubs. The DFB selection, which meets Finland in the meaningless last group game on Saturday, relies on 20 players from their own league. In 2017, the Austrians sensationally reached the semi-finals at the European Championship premiere. At that time there was only one goal conceded, like so far in this tournament in the 0:1 against England. And that in eight final round games.
Fuhrmann made two changes to the starting XI after beating Northern Ireland 2-0. Right-back Laura Wienroither, who has been back in training since Wednesday after her corona illness, ousted Katharina Schiechtl, and as announced in advance, Laura Feiersinger was given the chance again from the start in midfield. Marie-Therese Höbinger had to go to the bench.
Fuhrmann had expected the Norwegians, who lost 8-0 against England, to attack, but that didn’t happen because the Austrians played aggressively and prevented the favorites from playing properly. The ÖFB squad controlled what was happening and was also the team that set the accents. This also made it clear that the announcement that they did not want to play for a 0-0 draw was not just empty words. After just four minutes there was a penalty call, Billa was slightly pushed, and the Ukrainian referee Kateryna Monzul rightly didn’t whistle.
The opening goal was in the air in the 12th minute. Guro Pettersen couldn’t tame a Feiersinger shot properly, but deflected it to the crossbar. Norway only got into the opponent’s sixteen at least once, Caroline Graham Hansen shot into the side netting (16′). The ÖFB selection, on the other hand, knocked on the door several times. A Hanshaw shot was too hasty and went well over (29′), a shot from Billa was saved by Pettersen (34′).
The Tyrolean was able to celebrate her third European Championship appearance in this tournament a short time later. After an ideal Hanshaw cross, the attacker headed in. Fuhrmann was also happy about that, as she had named precise crosses as a key to Billa’s goals in advance. Julia Hickelsberger-Füller then indicated her danger before the break (41st).
Even after the change of sides, the Austrians continued to defend skillfully and confidently as usual. Pinpricks were also put forward, Barbara Dunst (62nd), Billa (63rd) and Hickelsberger-Füller (68th) failed to close the sack. Also Lisa Makas, who failed immediately after being substituted on Pettersen (72nd).
Norway increased the pressure, but Manuela Zinsberger only had to intervene on a Bizet shot, which she was able to direct to the aluminum housing (89′). Otherwise, the Superstorm remained colorless with Ada Hegerberg (Lyon), Graham Hansen (Barcelona) and Guro Reit (Chelsea). Norway missed out on promotion, as they did in 2017 without a point.
Quarter-final games:
- Wednesday, July 20: England v Second Group B (Brighton & Hove)
- Thursday 21 July: Germany v Austria (Brentford)
- Friday 22 July: First C – Second D (Leigh)
- Saturday 23 July: France v Second C (Rotherham)
Austria – Norway final score 1:0 (1:0)
Brighton & Hove Community Stadium, 12667, SR Kateryna Monzul (UKR).
Goal: 1: 0 (37th) Billa
Austria: Zinsberger – Wienroither, Wenninger, Schnaderbeck, Hanshaw – Zadrazil, Puntigam, Feiersinger – Hickelsberger-Füller (72nd Makas), Billa (88th Georgieva), Dunst
Norway: Pettersen – T. Hansen, Mjelde, Bergsvand, Blakstad (82nd Haug) – Maanum (86th Bö Risa), Syrstad Engen – Eikeland (65th Bizet), Graham Hansen, riding – Hegerberg
Yellow cards: Hickelsberger-Füller, Wenninger
Source: Nachrichten
