Austria became the latest team to book their place at Euro 2024 in Germany after substitute Marcel Sabitzer scored from the penalty spot to secure a 1-0 win at Azerbaijan on a day overshadowed by a deadly shooting in Brussels which saw Belgium's game against Sweden abandoned at halftime.
“Due to the incidents in Brussels earlier tonight, play is suspended. Our thoughts are with all those affected,” a post from the Belgian national team read on X, formerly known as Twitter.
European football governing body Uefa confirmed the Group F match had been called off following consultation with both teams and local police.
The score was 1-1 at the time. Viktor Gyokeres gave Sweden a 15th-minute lead, but Romelu Lukaku had Belgium level just after the half-hour.
Belgium had already qualified for Euro 2024 while Sweden's chances of a top-two place had been ended by Austria's victory earlier.
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A police officer stands guard outside the King Baudouin Stadium after two people were shot dead in Brussels before a Euro 2024 qualifier between Belgium and Sweden. AFP -
People walk outside King Baudouin Stadium after play was suspended following the shooting. Reuters -
Swedish players Samuel Gustafson and Emil Holm wait to leave the stadium. Reuters -
The score was 1-1 at half-time when the decision was taken to suspend the game. AFP -
Fans were told to stay in the stadium until it was safe to leave amid reports that the victims were wearing Swedish football shirts. AFP -
Swedish fans react at half-time as the match against Belgium is abandoned. Getty Images -
Police officers stand guard as supporters leave. AFP -
Belgium football player Romelu Lukaku leaves the stadium. Reuters -
The 35,000 supporters were eventually allowed to leave in groups shortly after midnight local time. AFP -
Belgian midfielder Jeremy Doku, second from left, leaves. AFP -
Supporters look through the fence as they wait to leave. AP -
A supporter is comforted on the stands after the match was suspended. AP
Austria advance
After losing 3-2 to Belgium in Vienna last week in the fight for Group F supremacy – Austria's only defeat in seven qualifying games so far – Sabitzer and his teammates knew a win in Baku would secure a spot at the tournament in Germany.
With several key players sidelined because of injuries, Austria struggled to create chances in the first half but were awarded a penalty minutes into the second half after a handball. Sabitzer was clinical in converting with a strike into the corner in the 48th minute.
Borussia Dortmund player Sabitzer recently returned to fitness after recovering from an adductor injury he picked up last month in a Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain.
Austria finished with 10 men after striker Guido Burgstaller was sent off in stoppage time for a second yellow card.
Austria became the seventh team to qualify after Belgium, France, Portugal, Scotland, Spain and Turkey, along with hosts Germany.
Ronaldo bags brace
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice for Portugal in a 5-0 demolition of host Bosnia in Group J.
Bruno Fernandes, Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix also scored, with all goals coming in the first half.
Iceland routed Liechtenstein 4-0 and Slovakia won 1-0 at Luxembourg in the same group.
Netherlands came away from Greece with a 1-0 win in Group B to revive their hopes. Virgil Van Dijk’s penalty in second-half stoppage time sent the Dutch above their opponents and into second in their group. Both have 12 points.
Wout Weghorst earlier failed to convert his penalty.
“We do not have a specialist for penalties, corners and free kicks,” said Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman. “When Virgil was behind the ball for the second one, I suddenly thought ‘Surely it won’t be one of those evenings when this one goes wrong too.’ But Virgil took it well and decided the match.”
Ireland thrashed Gibraltar 4-0 in the group's other game. France have already qualified from Group B.
