Austria set up a Women’s European Championship meeting with Germany by eliminating star-studded Norway 1-0 on Friday.
Nicole Billa’s header in Brighton clinched the win that sealed second place in Group A, leaving Norway in third place despite the two-time European champion being able to deploy 2018 Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg.
The group was won by host country England, which put on another dazzling display by routing Northern Ireland 5-0 in Southampton. It is 14 goals without reply in three games at the tournament for the team led by Sarina Wiegman, who missed Friday’s game after testing positive for COVID-19.
Northern Ireland had already been eliminated and England was sure of advancing before kickoff in Southampton but it took Wiegman’s side 40 minutes to break the deadlock against the tournament newcomer when Fran Kirby struck a curled shot from the edge of the box over the defence and into the top corner.
England doubled its lead before the break with Beth Mead taking her tournament tally to five. The Arsenal forward took a touch in the box before calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net.
She turned provider three minutes into the second half, with a cross headed in by substitute Alessia Russo.
Russo had to wait only until the 53rd minute for another goal, taking a touch to lose the defender before slotting past goalkeeper Jacqueline Burns after being played in by Ella Toone.
England’s fifth came in unfortunate fashion for Northern Ireland, as Kelsie Burrows inadvertently lifted the ball in over her own goalkeeper as she attempted to deal with a cross.