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Beth Mead's lob brought the first goal of the tournament
Photo: Martin Rickett / dpa
In the opening game of the 2022 European Football Championship, the hosts from England won 1-0 (1-0) against Austria.
In Manchester, Beth Mead scored the decisive goal (16th minute).
It should be a tournament that should give the soccer players the next big boost.
The final at Wembley is already sold out, and 68,800 spectators provided a great backdrop for the opening game at Old Trafford.
England coach Sarina Wiegman, who won the European Championship with the Netherlands in 2017, attacked with five strong offensive players.
The Austrians, who had previously lost all seven duels with the English, placed value on a strong defensive alliance in the starting XI and only one tip: Hoffenheim’s Nicole Billa, Bundesliga top scorer in the 2020/2021 season, should pose a threat.
However, there was initially no sign of a storming run by the title favorites.
Austria had more ball possession and, with safe combination play, often reached the last third of the attack.
The first goal of the tournament, however, came somewhat surprisingly on the other side: Mead got the ball from the inside right in the penalty area and lobbed it from ten meters over Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger, but Carina Wenninger's attempt to defend came too late (16th minute). ).
The goal gave the English team security, they now controlled the game and could have scored another goal with a header from Ellen White (26').
After the break, Austria tried to develop more danger.
However, the English women stood securely without becoming dangerous offensively.
As uneventful as it was on the pitch, the 74,000 in the stands followed the action just as calmly.
New players, old safety
Wiegman brought on three new players in the 64th minute, but that didn't make the English attack any more effective.
Since Austria did not manage to come close to Mary Earps' goal until the end, except for a long-range shot by Barbara Dunst (78th), the hosts won 1-0.
On Thursday, Northern Ireland and Norway (9 p.m.) will play the second game in Group A. The DFB-Elf will play in the tournament for the first time on Friday – they will meet Denmark at 9 p.m.
Other opponents in Group B are Spain and Finland.
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