Source: Xinhua

06-17-2008 08:30

Special Report:   2008 European Championships

VIENNA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- 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.

Poland's Jacek Krzynowek (L2) competes during a Euro 2008  Group B football match between Poland and Croatia in Klagenfurt, Austria, June 16, 2008. Croatia won 1-0.  (Xinhua Photo)

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.

Germany's Thomas Hitzlsperger (C) vies with Austrian players during a Euro 2008 Group B football match in Vienna June 16, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

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.