Austria secured their first win of the Euro 2024 championship with a dominant display against Poland, defeating them 3-1 in Berlin on Friday.

The Austrians wasted no time, taking the lead just eight minutes into the match. Defender Gernot Trauner rose above the Polish defense to head home a pinpoint cross, leaving goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny helpless.

Poland responded well, peppering the Austrian goal in search of an equalizer. Their efforts paid off in the 30th minute when striker Krzysztof Piatek pounced on a rebound from a blocked shot, calmly slotting it home from close range.

Austria’s goalkeeper, Patrick Pentz, kept them level at halftime with a brilliant save from a free kick by Piotr Zielinski.

Both sides made substitutions at the break, aiming to adjust their tactics. Florian Grillitsch replaced Patric Wimmer in midfield for Austria, while Poland made a double substitution in midfield, bringing on Jakub Moder for Jakub Piotrowski.

Seeking a breakthrough against Austria’s resolute defense, Polish coach Michal Probierz introduced attacking reinforcements in the 58th minute. Robert Lewandowski, Poland’s all-time top scorer, and Karol Swiderski came on for Adam Buksa and Krzysztof Piatek.

However, Austria regained the lead in the 66th minute. Just like Trauner at the other end, Christoph Baumgartner positioned himself well inside the Polish box and neatly placed the ball past Szczesny at the far post.

The game was effectively sealed in the 78th minute when Austria was awarded a penalty. Midfielder Marcel Sabitzer was brought down by Szczesny in the box, and veteran forward Marko Arnautovic coolly converted the penalty to make it 3-1.

Austria’s disciplined attacking and strong defending proved too much for Poland to overcome. This victory puts Austria in third place in Group C after their opening defeat to France, while Poland remains at the bottom with two losses.