Wien June 16- A superb performance by Germany captain Michael Ballack has led the team through to the Euro 2008 quarter finals. Despite valiant efforts from Austria, Germany beat them 1-0. Austria, to get the place of the runners up of Group B, had to defeat Germany in yesterday’s match. The team had more ball possession in the first half but, a set piece from Ballack took away Austria’s hopes of making it to the quarter finals.
The Austria-Germany match was to decide their fate in the Euro Cup 2008. Tensions were high on the field as both the teams fought hard to win. In the early exchanges, Germany was in control. But for a miss by Mario Gomez right in front of goal, Germany would have silenced Austria in the fifth minute.
Miroslav Klose did a good job as he shot the ball directly towards Gomez who was in front of goal. Gomez kicked but his kick failed miserably to send the ball into an unguarded net. This became one of the major highlights of yesterday’s game and is surely is one of the worst misses of the tournament.
The Group B Euro 2008 match picked up pace as a low angled shot by Gomez was saved by Macho and then, Andreas Ivanschitz made an impressive cross. René Aufhauser went for a low shot that was saved by Jens Lehmann and Macho stopped Lukas Podolski from scoring. The stakes were high and tension rose, especially when the two coaches Hickersberger and Löw were dismissed for a heated exchange.
But, Germany was little affected by their coach’s absence. Löw’s men took the lead as Ballack’s powerful free-kick sent the ball right into the net from 25 meters. Germany tried to double its score and was stopped by Macho. Though the Austrians did not lose heart and Hoffer tried to score, Germany emerged victorious with just one goal.
Germany will now be meeting Portugal in the quarter finals. It was celebration time for Germans as the team made it to the last eight for the first time since 1996. On the other hand; this is the first time when no host nation will be playing in the knockout rounds.
Final Score Austria-Germany match June 16
Austria 0-1 Germany
Goals :1
