Two Austria players recalled to the starting lineup score as Ralf Rangnick's side record a 3-1 victory over Poland at Euro 2024.
Gernot Trauner - one of three changes - opened the scoring for his nation as early as the ninth minute, and although Krzysztof Piatek equalised before the half-hour mark, Poland simply could not withstand Austria's superior class.
Christopher Baumgartner scored a delightful second after a clever dummy from Marko Arnautovic, another name brought into the team, and the national team's all-time leading goalscorer confirmed the three points from the penalty spot with 12 minutes remaining.
Austria now move onto three points, keeping them in the hunt for a top-two spot in Group D, while Poland must defeat France to have any chance of progressing through to the last 16.
Nothing to separate teams in lively first half
Both managers decided to ring the changes after their opening-match defeats, yet the big news was Robert Lewandowski only being deemed fit enough to take a place on the substitutes' bench despite recovering from a minor groin issue.
A combination of rain and smoke greeted the two nations as they made their way out at the Olympiastadion, Austria reacting better to the hostile atmosphere.
© Reuters
Ralf Rangnick's side had dominated and deserved their ninth-minute lead, Philipp Mwene getting down the left to deliver a cross for Gernot Trauner, who powered a header inside the near post.
While Austria remained a threat at the other end, Poland should have probably equalised before the end of the first quarter, Nicola Zalewski blazing the ball over the crossbar from 15 yards out having been picked out at the far side of the penalty area.
However, he was not made to rue that miss as Poland got back on level terms on the half hour. Austria's backline initially made blocks to keep their clean sheet intact, only for the ball to drop fortuitously for Piatek who kept his composure and fired home from close range.
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Poland scramble it home to equalise against Austria 🇵🇱🇦🇹#Euro2024 | #POLAUT pic.twitter.com/h18NCi59mS
With one of the last actions of the first half, Piotr Zielinski saw a well-struck free kick kept out by Austria goalkeeper Patrick Pentz, but going behind would have been somewhat harsh on Austria after what had been an even encounter.
Interestingly, both managers opted to make a change, with Poland's alteration seeing Jakub Moder come on for Jakub Piotrowski and Austria's Patrick Wimmer replacing Florian Grillitsch.
Wimmer made an instant impact, providing the corner for Stefan Posch to get a header on target, but it was too close to Wojciech Szczesny to threaten a goal.
At the 60-minute mark, it was time for Lewandowski to make his entrance, along with Karol Swiderski, as Michal Probierz made a double change in attack.
Lewandowski's first contribution was receiving a harsh yellow for an elbow when contesting an aerial ball, and the Barcelona man then watched on helplessly as Austria went in front in some style.
Marko Arnautovic smartly dummied a pass from the left in order for it to reach Baumgartner, who advanced towards the edge of the area under minimal pressure before unleashing a shot into the bottom corner from 16 yards.
Poland almost netted an immediate leveller through Swiderski, whose swerving effort was beaten away by Pentz, yet it was Austria who generally remained in the ascendancy, Szczesny making an outstanding stop down to his right to deny Wimmer.
Moments later, however, Austria had their third. After Marcel Sabitzer was brought down inside the area by Szczesny having got through on goal, Arnautovic converted the spot kick with aplomb for his 37th international goal.
Man of the Match
When do Poland, Austria play again at Euro 2024?
France vs. Poland 5pm
Netherlands vs. Austria 5pm
