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Baumgartner looks to Italy after sending Austria into last-16

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BUCHAREST: Christoph Baumgartner is looking forward to a "special" meeting with Italy in the last 16 after his goal in a 1-0 win over Ukraine handed his side second place in Group C and a first ever appearance in the European Championship knockout stages.


Austria were worthy winners in a poor game, but the result leaves Ukraine sweating on what looks a slim chance they will be among the four best third-placed teams and also earn their spot in the next round.


Baumgartner turned in David Alaba's corner midway through the first half, and was then forced off after a blow to the head, as Austria profited from a lacklustre display from Ukraine, who battled to find fluidity when it seemingly mattered most in the tournament.


The Netherlands, who beat North Macedonia 3-0 in their final game, top the group with a full haul of nine points from their three games, while Austria are second on six points and Ukraine have three, and a negative goal difference.


Austria may not be celebrating for long, though, as they face the in-form Italians in the last 16 in London on Saturday, coming up against Roberto Mancini's team that are unbeaten in their last 30 internationals and who have not conceded in 11 games.


"I still cannot believe it," Baumgartner told reporters. "And on top of that my head hurts. I'm happy for all of Austria and I hope everyone enjoyed it. We have had a tough time with the coronavirus, so enjoy this now.


"The round of 16 game against Italy will be something special. We made history today, but it is still not over."


POOR UKRAINE


Ukraine coach Andriy Shevchenko will be bewildered with the limp showing of his side - they did, after all, finish top of their qualifying pool, picking up 20 points from their eight games - three more than holders Portugal. But they showed none of that tenacity against their workmanlike opponents.


"I'm so disappointed. I don't even know what to say," Ukraine midfielder Olexandr Zinchenko told EURO2020.com. "Our performance in the first half was unacceptable. The way we behaved on the pitch was unacceptable.


Wijnaldum double spurs Netherlands


Georginio Wijnaldum scored twice and hailed his "special connection" with Memphis Depay as the Netherlands completed a perfect group stage at Euro 2020 by comfortably beating North Macedonia 3-0 in Amsterdam on Monday.


The Dutch captain, who signed for Paris Saint-Germain from Liverpool just before the tournament, scored twice in the second half at the Johan Cruyff Arena after Depay had put them ahead.


Depay, fresh from sealing a transfer of his own to Barcelona, could claim assists for both of Wijnaldum's goals as Frank de Boer's side made it nine points out of nine in Group C.


"Memphis and I played together for PSV and have played together for a long time for the national team so we have a special connection," said Wijnaldum. -- AFP


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