When host nation Austria faced Poland in EUFA Euro 2008 soccer play, both teams faced elimination.
Austria had lost its first game, 1–0 to Croatia, while Germany had defeated Poland 2–0. In the double-elimination format of Euro 2008, a second loss meant a trip home. Both teams hit the field energized and ready to win.
The Austrians came out on the offensive, pushing hard, maintaining ball control, and shooting frequently. Austria got an early chance on a free kick, which Polish keeper Artur Boruc.
Then a moment later, Austrian midfielder Martin Harnik got a breakaway and just missed the right corner.
A few seconds after that Harnik got another brilliant opportunity, and Boruc robbed him again.
Not a minute later, Austrian midfielder Christian Lietgeb got a breakaway; Boruc charged almost to the penalty area line and took away his shot.
Through the first twenty-five minutes Poland seemed unable to sustain and attack; only Boruc's brilliant goalkeeping kept Poland in the match.
Suddenly, at the 29-minute mark, Poland exploded. After driving down the left side, Poland played the ball cross-pitch for a long shot from the right sideline.
The ball was blocked toward the right corner where Polish forward Marek Saganowski played it across the crease. The ball deflected off the hand of the Austrian keeper Jürgen Macho and right in front of Roger Guerriero who tapped it home.
Austria continued to press, but their focus on offense left a few dangerous openings for the Polish attackers. During the final ten minutes of the half, Austria seemed to slow a bit, and Poland started dominating the pitch.
In the last minute of the half, Austria got a free kick, but could not convert.
Finally, in extra time, Austria got yet another free kick, but missed the top right corner by inches.
At the half, Poland had the edge, 1–0.
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