Euro 2020: Austria qualify with win in do-or-die game

Austria reached the knockout stages of Euro 2020 for the first time as they beat Ukraine to secure a last-16 place. Their joy may be short-lived, however, as they face Italy in the next round.

Franco Foda’s side turned up to play in Bucharest as Christoph Baumgartner’s close-range finish proved enough to earn them a place in the pre-quarterfinals stage.

The Austrians will head to London now to face the Italians on Saturday in Wembley.

Ukraine finished third in Group C and must now await their fate depending on how the remaining groups play out.

Baumgartner, Austria’s hero, was checked for a head injury following an aerial collision just three minutes before scoring. The 21-year-old was allowed to continue, but 12 minutes after scoring the goal, was unable to carry on.

“I can’t quite comprehend it all, my head is really hurting! This is really special for all of us,” Baumgartner told Austrian broadcaster ORF after the game.

Ukraine looked far from their best as they faced to really test the Austrians. Group C was an exciting one and Austria can be really proud of what they have achieved.

Standing in their way now are Italy at Euro 2020 in the first of the knockout rounds.