World Cup qualification: Austria wins the key game
In Group D, England (10-0 in North Macedonia) continue to lead impeccably with 21 points and a goal difference of 63-0 goals, behind them Austria (16) have consolidated second place ahead of Northern Ireland (13) and usually won’t be out hand. This leads to a multi-stage play-off and maybe in the end to the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. On Tuesday (7:00 p.m., live on ORF Sport+), the national team will first meet Latvia at the bottom.
Then again in Wiener Neustadt, where Austria held the reins against Northern Ireland but had to be patient. After a goalless first half, defender Carina Wenninger hit the heel after a corner, which is worth seeing (48th). Nicole Billa (55th) and Barbara Dunst (57th) reinforced in a strong ten minutes, which ultimately made the difference. Joely Andrews’ 1: 3 came too late (85th). After the 2: 2 in Belfast, Austria is ahead in a direct comparison.
3: 0 through Barbara Dunst (57th minute)
The offensive player completes a nice attack down the right flank.
Anniversary game as a key game
The 200th international match for women in ÖFB history was not only special because of the round number. In the fight for a World Cup ticket, it is a direct duel for second place behind England, who, as the clear group favorite, will live up to their role and will soon have their fixed ticket for the end of the World Cup. This trio will then also compete in a group at the European Championships in July.
After a difficult preparation, which was also characterized by CoV, team boss Fuhrmann was able to fall back on some key players, in addition to the Bayern legionnaires Carina Wenninger and Sarah Zadrazil also on Nicole Billa. Captain Viktoria Schnaderbeck and Julia Hickelsberger-Füller had to pass, but were also part of a circle consisting of the entire squad and staff before the start of the game. Austria went together in this very important game. “I’m convinced that we’ll leave the field as winners on Friday,” said Fuhrmann in advance – and in the end he was right.
Austria makes game, Northern Ireland keeps tight for the time being
The game started with two Northern Irish corners in the first two minutes, but the opponents were unable to pose any more threats in the next 43 minutes. This was due to two components: Austria determined the game and did not allow anything against the counterattacking Northern Ireland in the rest of the defense. The Fuhrmann-Elf didn’t take the full risk either, especially since you could live well with 0-0 or 1-1 after the 2-2 in the first game based on a direct comparison.
Great chance from Nicole Billa (27th minute)
After a corner, the attacker indicates from a good position.
Of course, the claim was to win this home game. Austria tried it over the left, over the right, through the middle, but Northern Ireland held tight. Chances were scarce in the first half: Two long-range shots from Barbara Dunst (4′, 40′) missed, Katharina Naschenweng rolled the ball into goalkeeper Jaqueline Burns’ arms (34′). Billa found the best chances and always after corners from Verena Hanshaw: Once she sent the ball over the goal from a left position (15th), then from a central position (27th). Shortly thereafter, heavy rain had created by British standards, but only the wind direction played Northern Ireland in the cards. It remained at 0:0.
Ten minutes makes all the difference
But that changes three minutes after the break. Austria stayed focused and patient and rewarded themselves with the deserved lead. This bar unsurprisingly from a corner. Dunst brought her from the left and then Wenniger showed her class. She took over directly with her heel and ensured the all-important 1-0 (48th). Guest coach Kenny Shiels, who screamed his heart out before the break and was immediately given a yellow card by the prominent French referee Stephanie Frappart, also fell silent.
Of course, Northern Ireland had to come and took over a bit of the command, but Austria hardly allowed anything. Goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger, who missed a ball twice after a cross, is surprisingly uncertain. But in the second scene she showed her qualities and defended with a bravura foot against Marissa Callaghan. This minute showed how decisive a goalkeeper can be in a game like this, because Burns dared an unnecessary excursion near the halfway line on the other side, her one-two with Julie Nelson went awry and Billa completed the empty goal (55′).
2: 0 by Nicole Billa (55th minute)
The Hoffenheim striker uses a mistake.
And Austria by no means, but against the now insecure Northern Ireland. Two minutes later it was even 3-0. The ball was won on the right side, Billa pulled down the line, served Laura Feiersinger and the warning across to Dunst. The Frankfurt legionnaire completed the selective preliminary decision (57th).
Connection gate is late
Billa still had half a chance, but said goodbye a short time later. You can still see the consequences of the CoV disease, but at the crucial moment she fulfilled her role as a goalscorer.
“Joker” Lisa Kolb then failed in the counterattack (76th), but it shouldn’t spoil the mood. Not even the avoidable goal from Joely Andrews, who exploited a weakness of the hosts that evening – defensive behavior at corners – and scored from the penalty area (85th). In the end, Austria deservedly celebrated, a higher victory prevented the bar after a Naschenweng shot (88th).
Comments on the game:
Irene Fuhrman (ÖFB team boss): “It was a roller coaster ride of emotions for me. We controlled the first half quite well, but we were too vertical too quickly. The performance of the game wasn’t what we imagined, but we were extremely effective and got the right result that we needed in World Cup qualifiers. We have to keep the tension high. Victory today is worth nothing if we don’t sweep Latvia off the field.”
Nicole Billa (ÖFB goal scorer to make it 2-0): “We knew it would be a game of patience. Northern Ireland are a resilient team trying to destroy the game. We have adjusted to that. It’s always good to make it 1-0 quickly after the break, and with your heel at that. There were still a few moments of shock, but overall we played very routinely. Actually, nothing should happen anymore, we have matured and are experienced.”
Women’s World Cup Qualification, Group D
Friday:
Austria – Northern Ireland 3: 1 (0: 0)
Stadium Wiener Neustadt, 1,200 spectators, SR Frappart (FRA)
Consequence:
1-0 Wenninger (48′)
2: 0 Billa (55th)
3-0 Haze (57′)
3-1 Andrew (85′)
Austria: Zinsberger – Wienroither, Wenninger, Georgieva, Hanshaw – Zadrazil, Puntigam, Feiersinger – Naschenweng (90th/Makas), Billa (61st/Enzinger), Dunst (74th/Kolb)
Northern Ireland: Burns – Magee (90/Wilson), Nelson, McFadden, Vance, Holloway (61/K McGuinness) – McCarron (80/Andrews), Callaghan, Furness – Wade (80/Bell), Magill (90. / C McGuinness)