Jens Stryger’s sublime late strike gave Denmark victory over Austria and sent the visitors three points clear at the top of Group A1.
Denmark made it two wins out of two in the UEFA Nations League as Jens Stryger curled in a classy late winner to earn his side victory in Austria.
Key moments
28′ Højbjerg slots in opener
67′ Schlager fizzes in equaliser
71′ Eriksen strike hits post
74′ Arnautović denied by woodwork
84′ Stryger curls in winner
Match in brief:
Denmark hold off Austria fightback
Having secured impressive victories on Matchday 1, both sides looked in confident mood during an opening period scant on chances in Vienna.
That would change when Christoph Baumgartner collected a raking pass from home captain David Alaba and crossed for the unmarked Sasa Kalajdzic in front of goal, the Stuttgart forward going agonisingly close to prodding the opener.
Austria would rue missing that chance when a neat passage of Denmark passing gave Rasmus Kristensen a crossing opportunity from the edge of the penalty area, the ball deflecting into the path of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, who swept his side ahead with a ruthless finish.
Yussuf Poulsen would have made it two but for a smart close-range save from debutant Patrick Pentz, and Alaba almost scored directly from a corner, Schmeichel tipping his vicious effort over the crossbar.
Ralf Rangnick made three changes at the break in a successful effort to threaten Denmark more, sending on Marko Arnautović for his 100th cap in a bid to provide more presence inside the penalty area.
The changes paid off when fellow substitute Michael Gregoritsch pounced on uncertain defending and allowed Arnautović to tee up Xaver Schlager, who fired a clinical equaliser.
Denmark almost regained the lead when Christian Eriksen hit a post via Pentz’s fingertips with a spectacular long-range effort, and Arnautović also had a shot denied by the woodwork three minutes later.
There was no such frustration for Jens Stryger, who curled a superb winner beyond Pentz from distance with six minutes remaining to send Denmark three points above their opponents at the top of Group A1
Reaction
Kasper Hjulmand, Denmark coach: “It was difficult for us. Austria pushed hard over 90 minutes. We were lucky, I have to admit. But I always believe in my team.”
Ralf Rangnick, Austria coach: “We deserved at least a point. Unfortunately, we didn’t always make the right decisions in the final third. We had enough chances for at least three goals. No one can say we did not try everything.”
Marko Arnautović, Austria forward: “I am disappointed. Last time at home against Denmark [in March 2021] we lost 4-0, but today we could have won. That’s bad luck. I am proud of my 100 caps but I’m not finished yet.”
