RIED, Austria – Austria’s Under-21 national team kept their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship alive with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belarus on Tuesday. A goal in the 94th minute from Jannick Schuster secured the win for Peter Perchtold’s side, moving them into a share of second place in Group I of the qualifying campaign.
The match, played in Ried, saw Austria take the lead through Nikolaus Wurmbrand in the 62nd minute. However, Belarus, the group’s bottom side, equalized late in the game, in the 88th minute, threatening to derail Austria’s qualification ambitions. Schuster’s late intervention ensured a crucial three points for the young Austrian side.
This result leaves Austria level on points with Belgium and Denmark, though both of those teams have played one fewer qualifying match. The stakes were high heading into Tuesday’s fixture, and the late goal provides a significant boost to their chances of reaching the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Albania and Serbia in 2027.
Wurmbrand opened the scoring after an hour, with a shot that was deflected in by Erik Kojzek. Belarus responded with a goal from Trofim Melnichenko, setting up a tense finish. It was Schuster who proved to be the hero, converting a corner kick in the fourth minute of added time to send the home crowd into raptures.
The Austrian team, featuring 17-year-old debutant Vasilje Markovic of Wiener Austria in the starting lineup, struggled to find their rhythm for much of the match. According to reports, the team lacked precision in their finishing, despite creating several opportunities. Rapid Vienna forward Wurmbrand, who is also reportedly attracting attention from the senior national team, was instrumental in breaking the deadlock.
The victory wasn’t without its moments of concern. Belarus’s late equalizer briefly threatened to extinguish Austria’s Euro hopes, but Perchtold’s side showed resilience to snatch the win. The team will need to improve their overall performance and conversion rate if they are to secure qualification.
Austria’s remaining qualifying fixtures include a home match against Denmark in early October and an away trip to Wales. The path to the tournament is still challenging, but this win has given them a fighting chance. Nine group winners, along with the best runner-up, will qualify directly for the tournament. The remaining eight runners-up will enter a play-off phase to determine the final four participants.
The match also saw a debut for young talent Vasilje Markovic, signaling a potential bright future for Austrian football. The inclusion of youth players demonstrates Perchtold’s commitment to developing the next generation of Austrian stars.
The late drama in Ried underscores the competitive nature of the U21 Euro qualifying campaign. Austria’s ability to secure a win even when not at their best is a testament to their character, and determination. The team will now focus on preparing for their upcoming matches, knowing that every point will be crucial in their quest for qualification.
For Austria, the win represents more than just three points; it’s a renewed sense of belief and momentum as they navigate the remaining challenges of the qualifying campaign. The team will be looking to build on this result and continue their push for a place at the 2027 European Under-21 Championship.
Next up for Austria’s U21 team is a crucial match against Denmark in October. The exact date and time are yet to be confirmed by the ÖFB (Austrian Football Association), but fans can expect further details to be announced in the coming weeks. The team will then travel to Wales for their final qualifying match, where they will need to deliver another strong performance to secure their place in the tournament.
The U21 Euro qualifying campaign is reaching a critical stage, and Austria’s recent victory has significantly improved their prospects. With a combination of experienced players and emerging talents, Peter Perchtold’s side is well-positioned to challenge for a spot at the 2027 tournament.
