October 16, (THEWILL) – The Austrian national football team confirmed their spot at the 2024 European Championships after a hard-fought 1-0 away victory against Azerbaijan on Monday night.
Marcel Sabitzer, who came on as a substitute at halftime, scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 48th minute. The penalty was awarded after Sabitzer’s free kick struck an Azerbaijani player’s arm in the wall. It was the RB Leipzig midfielder’s fourth goal for Austria in the qualifying campaign.
The narrow victory in Baku means Austria have amassed 16 points from seven matches, placing them just one point away from group leaders Belgium. With just one match left to play away to Estonia, Austria have booked their place at a third consecutive Euros tournament.
The win did not come easy for the visitors, who were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time after Guido Burgstaller received a second yellow card. Austria had to withstand late pressure from the hosts, including a gilt-edged chance for Tural Bayramov that would have levelled the score.
The result leaves Sweden facing the prospect of competing in the playoffs next year. The third-placed Swedes have not missed qualification for the Euros since 1996. Austria meanwhile will look to finish top of Group I when they round off their campaign next month.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
