Austria’s women’s team put up a lot of effort against the English superiority on the field and in the stands in the Old Trafford Stadium with 68,871 spectators in Manchester – but it wasn’t enough for a sensation to kick off the European Championship: The title favorites sat down 1-0 through.
At the beginning, the ÖFB team with Laura Wienroither from Frankenburg was able to slow down the waves of attack, Sarah Zadrazil recorded the first goal (5th). The pressure from the English was steadily increasing, but Austria’s defense also played a role in the opening goal: Sarah Puntigam, the record team player, lost the ball in the English counter-pressing, after a pass through the defense, Arsenal striker Beth Mead lifted the ball over club colleague Manuela Zinsberger in the ÖFB goal. Carina Wenninger tried to clarify artistically, but the ball had already crossed the goal line – 0:1 (17th).
The opening goal unnerved the hosts, who became even more dominant. Immediately before the break, Zinsberger prevented the 0:2: The goalkeeper steered a shot by Lauren Hemp over the crossbar.
A performance that inspires confidence
In the second half, Austria was able to open up the game, and goalkeeper Mary Earps prevented the equalizer from Barbara Dunst’s shot (78′).
Even if it wasn’t enough to create a sensation in the end, the performance will give confidence for the remaining two group games against Northern Ireland and Norway. The cards will be reshuffled on Monday: Austria is the favorite against Northern Ireland.
Source: Nachrichten
