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Nicole Billa scored the decisive goal for Austria
Photo: DAMIEN MEYER / AFP
Austria has qualified as Germany's opponent for the quarter-finals of the women's European Football Championship.
Thanks to a goal by Hoffenheim's Bundesliga player Nicole Billa, the Austrian team defeated Norway 1-0 (1-0) on Friday evening in Brighton on the last group A matchday and moved into the next round in second place behind hosts England.
The Norwegians around their star Ada Hegerberg disappointed again after the 0:8 against England and are eliminated.
For the selection of coach Irene Fuhrmann, striker Billa, Germany and Austria's "Footballer of the Year" from 2021, hit with a header in the 37th minute.
Goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger had to save the victory with two saves in the last few minutes.
The DFB women, who have already qualified for the first knockout round, will now play next Thursday (9 p.m. / ARD and DAZN) in London-Brentford against the selection of the neighboring country.
In the parallel game, hosts England did not show any weakness.
Even without coach Sarina Wiegman, who tested positive for the corona virus on Friday, the Lionesses easily beat the team from Northern Ireland 5-0 (2-0).
With that, England went into the last eight without conceding a goal and losing a point.
The host team will play against Spain or Denmark for a place in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
In Southampton Francesca Kirby broke through the Northern Irish bulwark in the 41st minute, Beth Mead (45th) added her fifth goal of the tournament before the break.
Alessia Russo (48'/53') made the quick decision with her brace, an own goal by Kelsie Burrows (76') made the final point.
England meets Spain or Denmark in the quarter-finals, who play second-placed in Germany's Group B on Saturday.
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