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Austria's Women's National Football Team Wins Play-Off First Leg in Slovenia

Frauen-Nationalteam claims narrow 2-1 victory in Celje

Goals from Marina Georgieva and Virginia Kirchberger secure the win

Austria's Women's National Football Team (Frauen-Nationalteam) got off to a winning start in their FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Play-Offs, defeating Slovenia 2-1 in the first leg in Celje on Thursday evening. Goals from Marina Georgieva and Virginia Kirchberger gave Austria a hardfought victory in front of a crowd of 2,500 at the Stadion Z'dezele. The visitors took the lead after just 12 minutes when Georgieva finished off a cross from Julia Hickelsberger-Füller. Slovenia managed a response halfway through the second half when substitute Sara Agrez equalised from close range. The home side pushed for a second goal in the closing stages, but Austria held on. Austria doubled their advantage in the 89th minute when Kirchberger headed home from a corner. The result provides Austria with a slender advantage ahead of the second leg, which will take place in Wiener Neustadt on Tuesday, October 11. The winner of the tie will qualify for the Women's World Cup, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20 2023.