Austria's intelligent play banishes hapless Norway to an early Euro exit

BRIGHTON, England — Austria made it back-to-back quarterfinal appearances at the European Championships as they eased past Norway 1-0 at the American Express Community Stadium, consigning the two-time champions to just their third group stage exit.

Former Austria coach Dominik Thalhammer, when speaking after his team's quarterfinal win over Spain in 2017, said: «The goal was to get one draw; one point.» In that maiden tournament, few had expected much of Austria, the nation drawn into a group with France, Switzerland and Iceland, all of which had some degree of pedigree at the Euros. Yet it was swashbuckling Austria who had taken the group by storm and played high tempo attacking football.

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Whilst the team has changed in the ensuing five years, not least with Thalhammer having been replaced by Irene Fuhrmann in the dugout, much of the squad has stayed the same, the nation only able to bring more to the pitch now than then. Yet, once again, Austria were largely written off ahead of this summer's tournament.

The tournament's opening match at Old Trafford had been stodgy. Even thought England ended up winning that game, it was Austria who had the better early chances and showed their intent for the Euros. Against Northern Ireland in their group-stage match, the team ranked 21st in the world showed more flair and creativity, reigning it back in Friday's decider against Norway.

It was clear from the jump that Fuhrmann had built the starting XI from the back, guiding the squad to neutralise Norway's better attacking components and forcing players like Ada Hegerberg and Caroline Graham Hansen to drop deep to get anywhere near the ball. The midfield battle won by