Real Madrid of Spain’s new signing, David Olatokunbo Alaba was named man of the match in Austria’s latest match of the European Championship, as the Nigerian-born player helped his country set up a round of 16 clash with Italy.
Although Alaba could not score, the former Bayern Munich left-footer played a yeoman’s role, as Austria booked their first-ever Euro Championship knockout game by pipping Ukraine to the runners-up spot in Group C with a 1-0 victory in Bucharest.
Megasportsarena.com reports that Christoph Baumgartner wrote his name into Austrian folklore as his first-half strike secured the victory Franco Foda’s side needed to guarantee their place in the last 16 at the expense of Ukraine.
While Mainz 05 of Germany youngster, Karim Onisiwo was missing from the Austrian squad for Monday’s game, Alaba ended the night with eight points out of ten, to take his side into the next round, where they will battle The Azurri at London’s Wembley Stadium.
In contract with Alaba’s inspirational role as Austria’s captain, Ukraine merely needed to avoid defeat to secure second place behind group winners Holland, but Andriy Shevchenko’s side were plagued by a lack of attacking quality and mustered just a single attempt on target.
With Austria needing a victory and Ukraine only requiring a draw to progress from Group C as runners-up, the emphasis was on the Austrians to grab the initiative, and they rose to the challenge, refusing to leave themselves at the mercy of the third-place lottery.
Alaba was deployed in his preferred left-back position where he was tasked with stifling Ukraine dangerman Andriy Yarmolenko, a task he dovetailed superbly with his attacking duties.
The dark-skinned skipper, who was born to a Nigerian father and Philippines mother in Austria, delivered a succession of crosses and set-pieces into the Ukrainian box before the Austrian pressure finally told.
Four minutes after being given the all-clear following a clash of heads with centre-back Illya Zabarnyi, Baumgartner peeled into space in the area to turn Alaba’s corner into the Ukrainian net as Austria’s industrious start was rewarded.
Austria’s second victory at a European Championship finals sets up a showdown with Italy in London on Saturday, while Ukraine face a nervous wait to see if they will progress to the last 16 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed sides.
