Austria U21’s 1‑1 draw leaves Euro hopes hanging in Vienna

Austria U21’s 1‑1 draw with Denmark at the Sport‑Club Stadium in Vienna means the side now needs a win and a superior goal difference in the final qualifier to keep its Euro 2027 hopes alive.

Standings and stakes

The ÖFB‑selection fell three points behind the second‑placed Danish side after the penultimate Group I match. Denmark also enjoy a nine‑goal advantage in goal difference, a margin Austria must overturn in the last round.

Line‑up and changes

Coach Thomas Perchtold started with LASK goalkeeper Lukas Jungwirth and forward Vasilije Markovic, both recently called up for the senior national team by Ralf Rangnick. Jungwirth, who had featured in every qualifier so far, replaced the injured Salzburg defender Christian Zawieschitzky.

The back line comprised Christopher Olivier (Brøndby), captain Jannik Schuster (Brentford), Valentin Zabransky (Salzburg) and David Puczka (Genoa). Nicolas Bajlicz guarded the midfield, while Thierry Fidjeu‑Tazemeta and the Graz duo Luca Weinhandl and Jacob Hödl supported Markovic. The attacking line was led by Furkan Dursun (Thun).

Match narrative

The opening half saw 2 674 spectators witness a cautious start, with both sides committing minor fouls. Austria began to look the more dangerous outfit, creating several clear‑cut chances, including a 16th‑minute effort from Dursun that was saved by Danish keeper Theo Sander.

Denmark’s best spell arrived in the 22nd minute when August Priske struck the post from inside the box. Austria’s “joker” Conrad Harder finally broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, heading the ball past Sander.

In the second half, a potential foul on Dursun went unpunished by Israeli referee Snir Levy. Shortly after, Valdemar Byskov challenged Zabransky, winning the ball and feeding Harder, who restored Austria’s lead to 2‑0 before halftime.

Austria’s dominance continued, but the first equaliser came in the 69th minute when Kojzek, who entered at half‑time, combined with Weinhandl to slot the ball home. A further chance fell to Oluwaseun Adewumi’s cross for Nikolaus Wurmbrand, which narrowly missed the far post.

With the draw, Austria’s Euro 2027 campaign now hangs over the final match, while the tournament itself is likely to pass without an Austrian presence on the stage.