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.
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.
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.
However, ambitious Germany encountered fierce count attacks from co-hosts Austria.
During the first half, Germany had to see a 0-0 draw. Their best chance was created by striker Klose in the 4th minute, who penetrated in Austria's area and delivered a super pass to Gomez, whose header just one meter away from the goal.
Austria came up with fierce count attacks in the following ten minutes.
In the 22nd minute Austrian striker Erwin Hoffer could face Lehmann directly, but he misplaced the ball.
In the 36th minute, Austria's Umit Korkmaz drove in a cross to the center of the area, but Christian Fuchs' header was over the top.
As the battle intensified, Loew and Schweinsteiger were eager to command the team and quarreled with the referee. Both of them were ordered to stay away from the commanding benches.
During the second half, Germany continued their offensive edge and the three-time tournament titleholders were rewarded with Ballack's free-kick score 4 minutes after the interval.
To defend their dignity as co-hosts, Austria showed no retreat and they staged waves of counterattacks.
Austria made some good forays forward in the last stages of the game, but lacked the quality to beat the German defense.
Germany thus moved on to face Portugal in the quarterfinals, knocking out Austria and Poland.
"I feel good and I am happy about the victory," said German coach Joachim Loew.
"It was a huge pressure situation, but it is also pleased to be able to games with pressure and emotion," he added.
Ballack told press after match that the game was "tough" as expected, but Germany have resolved the challenges.
"The important thing was that we now have fought and played as a team," he said.
German defender Philipp Lahm had already cast his eyes on next match against Portugal.
"With regard to Portugal and we will improve in all areas," he said.
Source: Xinhua
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