What a game we had on our hands with these two. Austria proved to be a thorn in the flesh for Italy as everyone expected Italy to walk over Austria, well, maybe not all, but most people and also on paper. Austria proved that they were not at this stage by chance and rightly so. It took Italy Extra Time after regular time to be able to break a spirited Austrian side.
Italy had the first chance in the 11th minute when Spinazzola produced a couple of stepovers right inside the box but his shot flew wide despite much expectations from him. 3 minutes after, Insigne produced a decent shot at the edge of the box, hoping to produce a curler but it proved to be of no threat to the goalkeeper as he easily gathered it.
There was a moment of magic from Ciro Immobile when he produced a brilliant shot that cannon off the top edge of the post leaving the goalkeeper rooted on the spot.
In the 37th minute, Arnautovic dazzled with his feet after getting past two of his markers. He laid a pass to Schlager whose cross into the box was aimed at Baumgartner but the goalkeeper was quick to gather it.
Austria should have been ahead when they won a freekick in dangerous territory - just outside the box. Their talisman; David Alaba took it but it was over the bar. Austria had another chance with Sabitzer who had a lovely shot at goal but Bonucci deflected it wide.
Austria thought they had scored in the 65th minute but the joy was short-lived when Arnautovic was flagged for offside. Alaba was found in the box and he gave a headed pass to Arnautovic who powered home another header into the net. The VAR was called into action and the goal was disallowed.
Austria dragged Italy to an extra time and that was when Italy came alive. In the 5th minute of the extra time, Chiesa produced the moment of magic when he beautifully controlled the ball inside the box after being afforded too much space and he smashed home the ball.
In the 15th minute of the extra time, Italy got their second and this time it was Pessina who pounced on a loose ball inside the box to smash it home again.
Austria also got a goal of their own through Kalajdzic who produced a low header from an impossible angle and he managed to beat the goalkeeper at the near post. Italy won but Austria battled hard and finally, Italy conceded.
The game ended 2-1.
Thank you for your time.
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What a hard for fought victory it was for the Italians. Great move from the coach bringing on the ride substitutes when it was needed. The Italian now face Belgium in the quarter final. That will be an interesting one
Belgium were disappointing against Portugal as they defended resolutely and Italy are strong at the back too. I look forward to another great game between them.
Yeah would be great to see who will better football. I expect Belgium to come forward more since Italy are a more defensive side
Belgium have been disappointing of late too...playing too deep...and playing on the counter.
It's understandable why they play that way. So far it has helped them survived. I Expect some more lively play from in their coming match
Absolutely and at this stage of the tournament, they need to turn up.
Yeah. The former style of play many not help them against Italy. They need to approach the game differently
Great MAtch
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