Austria vs Germany

It was do or die as Germany took on co-hosts Austria in Vienna in this final group game for both sides. The visitors looked like firm favorites after their opening day win but a shock 2-0 loss to Croatia they need all 3 points today to secure their place in the quarters to play Turkey. The hosts also had a shot at the opportunity to play Faith Terim`s men if they can beat the Euro 1996 winners by more goals than if Poland beat Croatia. 

In the opening 5 minutes, striker Mario Gomez had the miss of the tournament. Klose`s low pass found the stuggard man 2 yards in front of goal but the ball struck his foot and went high instead of straight. As it came down defender Gyorgy Garics headed it clear before the number 9 could have a second bite at the cherry. 

Austria the had a shout for a penalty. It looked like Christoph Metzelder had brought down Erwin Hoffer but replays showed that it was the Austrian striker who ran into the Real Madrid center half. 

The Rapid Vienna striker had another chance to put his side in front. He ran dangerously into the box but lost control of the ball and Jens Lehmann quickly saved it. 

René Aufhauser took a crack from 30 yards out but the German keeper did well to dive and get his hands to it to turn it away for a conner. Though the shot looked like it was going to miss the target. 

Both keepers had a lot to do during this game and Jugan Marco was called upon in the 25th minute as Podolski shot from well out. 

But a bizarre incident just before half time saw both coaches,Joachim Löw and Josef Hickersberger sent off from their dug outs into the stands. It seemed like Low was arguing with the fourth official about something, likely to be the fact that Podolski was slapped by Aufhauser with the officials taking no action. Hickersberger joined the argument and then referee Manuel Gonzalez had enough and gave both managers their marching orders. 

The first incident of the second half prouved to be the only goal of the match as Michael Ballack, who hasent scored in a major tournament since the 2-1 loss to Czech Republic at the Euro 2004, scored from a stunning 30 yard free kick. The ball took no deflection or touches and as went into the top conner. Probably the best free kick of the tournament so far.

Phillipe Lahm, who scored the 2006 World Cup`s first goal, had the chance to double their lead as he drove into an attacking position but mis fired a shot and it went well wide.

Marco was called upon a few more times forcing saves from Podolski`s 25 yeard effort and Frings`s conner. 

Austria also had the chance to get back into the game but Hoffer`s chance went wide of the post. 

Austria`s former Sunderland and Chelsea keeper was certainly a busy man Klose was the last man to force him to make a save in the dying minutes of the game.

So the hosts leave the tournament with just 1 point and 1 goal, courtesy a controversial penalty against Poland converted by Ivica Vastic. As for Germany, well they make it past the group stage for the first time since 1996 where they went all the way. A long 12 year wait finally ends tonight.