The law of the series was stronger than the dream of sensation. In the seventh international match against the reigning European soccer champions England, Austria’s women’s national team didn’t score a goal or a point, the “Lionesses” won the World Cup qualifier in the sold-out Wiener Neustädter Arena 2-0 (1-0).
Because Belgium lost 1-0 to Norway, there is still the chance of a complete success in tomorrow’s last group game (8.30 p.m., ORF Sport+) against outsiders North Macedonia to make it into the top three of a total of nine second places and thus get one of three play-off hurdles en route to the 2023 World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand.
“It’s a quality thing”
“We’ll have to improve. We didn’t reach our maximum and didn’t seem as aggressive as usual,” analyzed midfielder Laura Feiersinger, who had come close to a possible 1-1 equalization with a long-range shot. Even with Julia Hickelsberger-Füller only centimeters were missing. Ultimately, however, the victory for the British, who have won their last 13 international matches, was deserved.
“In the end, it’s still a matter of quality, which decisions I make in the attack third, how I use the chances,” explained team boss Irene Fuhrmann.
“At this level, it’s the little things that count. We were relatively close three times recently, that’s bitter,” said right-back Laura Wienroither, slightly frustrated. However, the 23-year-old from Frankenburg is fighting, against North Macedonia (again in Wiener Neustadt) it should be an appearance with emphasis. Also because – contrary to expectations – something is still at stake. Incidentally, the first leg on September 21, 2021 ended 6-0 for Austria, Nicole Billa entered the shooting list three times.
Not only does the defeat against England hurt, but also the missed opportunity to create a bigger stage for this event. In Wiener Neustadt the capacity is limited to 2600, the demand was significantly higher. “It’s Saturday, a good time (5.30 p.m.), the European champions are coming – the conditions were definitely there to play in a larger stadium,” remarked Verena Hanshaw. That’s how Wienroither saw it: “You could have given more people the opportunity to be part of this match.” And ex-captain Viktoria Schnaderbeck and Lisa Makas, who were ceremoniously said goodbye, to give the well-deserved applause.
Source: Nachrichten
