Southampton (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Austria saved alive their hopes of reaching the Euro 2022 knockout phases with a 2-0 win in opposition to Northern Eire that pushed their opponents to the brink of elimination on Monday.
Objectives from Katharina Schiechtl and Katharina Naschenweng ensured Austria bounced again from their defeat in opposition to England within the event opener.
It was a second successive Group A defeat for Northern Eire, the bottom ranked nation within the occasion, after a 4-1 thrashing by Norway.
Schiechtl’s first-half opener was adopted by Naschenweng’s strike after the interval in Southampton.
Austria stay in competition to make the quarter-finals forward of their ultimate group sport in opposition to Norway.
The destiny of Kenny Shiels’ facet may very well be sealed in Monday’s late sport between Norway and England, the place Northern Eire might be knocked out if the Norwegians fail to beat the hosts.
Northern Eire will search to salvage some pleasure from their first main event of their group finale in opposition to England.
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl was amongst a crowd of 9,268 at St Mary’s and noticed his dwelling nation deservedly edge forward within the nineteenth minute.
Northern Eire’s static defence failed to answer Sarah Puntigam’s low free-kick deflecting off Julie Nelson within the wall, leaving unmarked Werder Bremen defender Schiechtl with a close-range end.
With Northern Eire getting ready to throw gamers ahead in determined search of a leveller, Austria sealed victory within the 88th minute.
Abbie Magee was caught out by a looking free-kick ahead and substitute Naschenweng expertly skipped past Sarah McFadden to fireside dwelling.
