Germany down brave Austria

VIENNA (AFP) - Co-hosts Austria toiled and probed but Germany's class told in a 1-0 Euro 2008 Group B victory secured by Michael Ballack's freekick here Monday that put the European powerhouses into the quarter-finals.

Austria needed to win to keep their participation alive but while they produced an energetic performance, they never showed the quality needed to beat their favoured opponents, although on their last two showings few teams will fear Germany.

In an intriguing contest both Austria coach Josef Hickersberger and his German counterpart Joachim Loew were comically sent off following a furious row with the fourth official.

Ballack said the match had been tough and Germany could expect another difficult challenge with stylish Portugal next in line.

"It was a difficult game. It's always difficult in this position.

"We have a big target which is to go to the final. I feel we were a bit nervous," Ballack admitted.Of his goal he told the BBC: "It was a good freekick. I hit the ball very well. It was an important win."Regarding the Portuguese he added: "I think they played very well so far. I expect a big game - they are one of the favourites."It's a big, big game for us but we can relax now three days. We go step by step."