Source: Xinhua
06-17-2008 08:30
Special Report: 2008 European ChampionshipsVIENNA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Michael Ballack's free-kick gifted Germany a 1-0 victory over co-hosts Austria during the last round of Euro 2008 Group B match here on Monday.
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Poland's Jacek Krzynowek (L2) competes during a Euro 2008 Group B football match between Poland and Croatia in Klagenfurt, Austria, June 16, 2008. Croatia won 1-0. (Xinhua Photo) |
Thanks to the narrow victory, Germany sealed one seat in the quarterfinals of the every-four-year tournament, while Austria followed the footsteps of co-hosts Switzerland to bow out.
Ballack scored by a powerful 28-yard free kick in the 49th minute, the first goal on a direct free kick in Euro 2008.
The shot was so speedy that Austria goalkeeper Jurgen Macho got caught slightly off his line.
As the game was a decisive one for Germany's fate in the tournament, German coach Joachim Loew fielded Hertha defender Arne Friedrich to replace injured Marcell Jansen within the starting lineup.
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Germany's Thomas Hitzlsperger (C) vies with Austrian players during a Euro 2008 Group B football match in Vienna June 16, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) |
Bayern midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was not among the players' list as he was sent off with a direct red card at Thursday's match with Croatia.
For Austria, star defender Sebastian Prodl, who salvaged Austria with a draw with Poland by earning a penalty kick in injury time, did not show up as he was booked with two yellow cards.
In a sold-out Ernst-Happel Stadium, Germany staged attack waves one after another during the first ten minutes as they were striving to booking a seat for the last eight.