Dominant Austria display delights coach Rangnick
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Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - Group D - Poland v Austria - Berlin Olympiastadion, Berlin, Germany - June 21, 2024 Austria's Christoph Baumgartner celebrates scoring their second goal with coach Ralf Rangnick REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer
BERLIN - Austria coach Ralf Rangnick was thrilled with his side's performance in their 3-1 win over Poland on Friday, saying they controlled almost the entire match.
The Austrians are now on three points in Group D, as many as France and the Netherlands who face each other later, and can still finish in the top two on the final matchday and qualify for the knockout stage.
"The first 20 minutes were maybe perfect on our side," the 65-year-old said, adding: "In the second half we totally controlled the match."
Rangnick in particular praised Christoph Baumgartner, who scored the second goal and after ran straight up to his coach to hug him.
"I told him at halftime that he is a very important player and that he can make a difference," Rangnick said.
Austria will face the Netherlands in their final group game on Tuesday in Berlin, with Poland taking on the French at the same time in Dortmund.
In the first group match, Austria lost against France 0-1. REUTERS
