After tasting defeat on matchday one of the group stages, this was a must-win game for both Poland and Austria.
Contesting Group D with European heavyweights France and the Netherlands, a win would have been huge for both sides’ hopes of reaching the knockout rounds — and Ralf Rangnick's side delivered.
Having impressed against the French, Austria came out of the blocks in strong style.
Gernot Trauner headed in a Philipp Mwene cross with less than 10 minutes on the clock.
But Poland responded very well and drew level through Krzysztof Piatek.
However, Rangnick's side regained control of proceedings in the second half; Christoph Baumgartner restored their lead with a cool finish, before Marko Arnautovic wrapped up the win from the penalty spot.
Austria are a real unit
Austria won plenty of plaudits for their performance against France, where they narrowly missed out on any points due to a first-half own goal.
They impressed again today, signalling their intent from the first whistle.
Perhaps they scored too early, as for a while, they were pegged back by Poland.
But the Austrian defence stood strong, making several blocks, while Patrick Pentz made a couple of important saves in goal.
Rangnick’s half-time team talk must have been a good one, as “Das Team” delivered a brilliant second-half display.
Konrad Laimer brought the energy into the midfield. Marcel Sabitzer brought his usual innovation.
Baumgartner and Arnautovic were potent attacking outlets, and Patrick Wimmer and Alexander Prass made a real difference out wide off the bench.
All of those elements combined to form a really cohesive team unit, and Austria were full value for the three points.
Poland: not a one-man team
As mentioned, Poland responded very well to going behind early on.
They were industrious in midfield and threatening offensively.
Both Piotr Zieliński and Nicola Zalewski came close. The former was always looking to force the problem. It was the Napoli man’s delivery which led to Piatek’s leveller.
Piatek and Adam Buksa - Poland’s only goalscorers at this tournament so far - held up the play well and gave Michal Probierz’s side outlets going forward. This was in Robert Lewandowski’s absence.
Unfortunately for them, the Eagles couldn’t quite contain Austria in the second half.
When their talisman from Barcelona was introduced, they didn’t improve much.
Perhaps his absence isn’t their primary issue.
Arnautovic: Difference Maker
In the defeat to France, Freiburg’s Michael Gregoritsch was given the nod up front.
For this game, the notorious Marko Arnautovic - his country’s record cap holder - was selected in his place. The 35-year-old only made five starts in Serie A for Inter this season. But he was just what Austria needed leading their line.
The former West Ham and Stoke man held up the play well and linked his team’s attacks together almost effortlessly. Arnautovic’s dummy allowed Baumgartner the time and space to put Rangnick’s side back in front.
He also won the flick on from Pentz’s long ball to send Sabitzer in behind, who went on to win the penalty. Who else would have the ice cool composure to seal the three points for Austria?
He was never in doubt from the spot, netting his second career goal at a major international tournament.
Arnautovic might be into the twilight years of his career but he has proven that he will be key to any chances Austria have at Euro 2024.
End of the road for Poland?
Poland put up a strong fight against the Netherlands in their first match of the tournament and deservedly got themselves level after falling behind today.
But their squad just hasn’t quite had the sufficient quality to hold their own in a group of such high standards.
This defeat leaves them rock bottom in Group D, joining Hungary as the only sides left with no points after two games.
In order to have any chance of reaching the knockout stages, they will need to beat France in their final group game and hope that other results go in their favour - a scenario that seems unlikely.
Poland look set for a third group stage exit in four European Championships.
