Austria is looking down the tubes again

No goal, no win, no participation in the European Championship. After 0:1 from the first leg Austria lost Women’s team on Tuesday evening in Vienna too 0:1 against Poland. This means that the of Irene Fuhrmann The team being looked after has to watch the second major tournament in a row on television. After failing to qualify in the World Cup play-offs against Scotland, they now failed in the European Championship play-offs against Poland.

Not just disappointing in terms of sport, but a further damper on the euphoria that still exists around the team European Championships in summer 2022 had reigned. After the personnel restructuring due to the resignation of experienced players, the development of the Austrian team stagnated, which is now also painfully noticeable in the results.

Around 3,200 spectators expressed their gratitude to the Austrian team on site Viola Park fingers crossed and they all knew what it was about. “It’s an all-in game, it’s all or nothing,” said team boss Irene Fuhrmann.

Fight and spasm

Her team started off with commitment and combativeness in their black anniversary uniforms and scored their first half chance after just a few minutes. However, the Poles, who had always scored in their twelve duels with Austria in the past, became more dangerous. It should also be the case 13. Run-up stay like that.

The Austrian defense provided assistance because they repeatedly acted incorrectly. Goalkeeper Zinsberger blocked a shot from Padilla with her foot and the follow-up shot landed in the side netting (7th). Breathe deeply. Austria won a lot of duels and had more ball possession, but was hardly dangerous for a long time. Campbell toiled at the front, Hanshaw continually building up the game down the left side. Just before the break things got entertaining on both sides. First, Poland’s star striker Pajor from FC Barcelona had a great chance with a shot on the move, but narrowly missed.

Austria was not shocked and started the best phase with finally good opportunities. Hanshaw and Purtscheller narrowly missed the target with beautiful shots, and a recent attempt from Campbell was blocked once. Bitter for the Fuhrmann team: Dunst injured his knee and had to be substituted.

Time factor

After the break, the Poles were joined by another opponent: the time that Austria was gradually running out of. The team’s efforts could not be denied, but the means were not suitable. Purtscheller had the opportunity to take the lead, her shot whistled past the far corner. The final pressure phase brought nothing worthwhile, Poland got through Pajor made it 1-0 in stoppage time. Poland qualified for a major tournament for the first time, while Austria was shocked. Tears flowed on both sides, but the reasons couldn’t be more different.