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Baumgartner leads Austria into Euro last-16 for 1st time

Sports Desk, Jun 21 (EFE).- Christoph Baumgartner’s goal in the 21st minute proved to be enough for Austria to top Ukraine 1-0 Monday in their final group match of Euro 2020 and advance to the knockout stage for the first time ever.

The 21-year-old Hoffenheim man scored for the fifth time in 13 appearances for the national side just two minutes after suffering a knock to the head in a collision with Ukrainian defender Ilya Zabarnyi.

New Real Madrid signing David Alaba sent a corner into the box and Baumgartner beat goalkeeper Heorhiy Bushchan to put Austria ahead.

In the wake of the goal, the after-effects of the collision caught up with Baumgartner and he left the game in the 32nd minute.

Marko Arnautovic squandered a chance to make it 2-0 in the 43rd minute and then fired the ball straight to Bushchan right before the break.

Ukraine were lacking in intensity for most of the contest and the closest they came to drawing level was a blast by Roman Yaremchuk that hit the post.

Austria finished second in Group C and must now prepare for a match Saturday against mighty Italy. With 3 points, Ukraine may yet have a chance to qualify for the next round as one of the four best third-place sides. EFE

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