Euro 2024: Poland first team to be knocked out
Poland 1 - 3 Austria
Two late goals secured a hard-fought win for Austria, boosting their chances of reaching the last 16 at Euro 2024, while Poland became the first team to be knocked out.
Following Austria’s victory and France's draw with the Netherlands later on Friday, Poland is guaranteed to finish bottom of Group D, even if they win their final game.
Both Austria and Poland had lost their opening matches, so they came to Berlin knowing another defeat could end their tournament. The high stakes gave the match a knockout feel, with both sets of fans creating a lively atmosphere at the Olympiastadion, matched by the frantic pace on the pitch.
Austria struck first when Gernot Trauner rose at the near post to head in Phillipp Mwene’s cross. Poland struggled to get out of their own half initially but soon improved and pushed for an equaliser. It came after 30 minutes when a cross from the right wasn’t properly cleared, and although Jan Bednarek’s shot was blocked, Krzysztof Piatek was first to the rebound, firing low into the net.
Clear chances were scarce after that, even when Poland’s star striker Robert Lewandowski came off the bench. However, as the game neared its end, Austria found the inspiration they needed. Marko Arnautovic’s clever dummy gave Christoph Baumgartner the time and space to advance to the edge of the area, where he coolly slotted past Wojciech Szczesny.
Austria sealed their victory a few minutes later. With Poland pushing for an equaliser, Marcel Sabitzer broke clear and, although Szczesny brought him down, Arnautovic converted the resulting penalty. His goal sparked wild celebrations from the Austrian fans, who had seen their team narrowly beaten by France in their opening game but now travel to Dortmund to face the Dutch with renewed hope of progressing.
Poland falls at the first hurdle
Poland, meanwhile, became the first of the 24 teams at Euro 2024 to be eliminated when the Netherlands failed to beat France in Leipzig. Poland can still finish level on points with Austria, who are currently third, but in that case, the head-to-head record between the two will be decisive.
This defeat means Poland now have only pride to play for, even if their top scorer Lewandowski is fit to start their final match against France after recovering from his thigh injury. Lewandowski came off the bench for the last half hour in this match, greeted by a wild reaction from Polish fans, but he couldn’t make an impact in front of goal.
His teammates couldn’t provide him with a single chance to add to his tally of 82 international goals. Instead, it was the fiery Arnautovic, starting his first competitive game for Austria since September, who settled things.
Austria are still out to impress.
Austria boss Ralf Rangnick described this as the "most important match" since he took charge in April 2022. Before their defeat to France—where they failed to score for the first time in almost two years—his team had lost only one of their previous 16 games.
Their form has seen them tipped as the tournament’s surprise package, and Baumgartner, named player of the match against Poland, felt that this tag has helped rather than hindered them.
