Poland's Jacek Krzynowek (L2) competes during a Euro 2008 Group B football match between Poland and Croatia in Klagenfurt, Austria, June 16, 2008. Croatia won 1-0. (Xinhua Photo)

Michael Ballack's free-kick gifted Germany a 1-0 victory over co-hosts Austria during the last round of Euro 2008 Group B match here on Monday.

Thanks to the narrow victory, Germany sealed one seat in the quarterfinals of the every-four-year tournament, while Austria followed the footsteps of co-hosts Switzerland to bow out.

Ballack scored by a powerful 28-yard free kick in the 49th minute, the first goal on a direct free kick in Euro 2008.

The shot was so speedy that Austria goalkeeper Jurgen Macho got caught slightly off his line.

As the game was a decisive one for Germany's fate in the tournament, German coach Joachim Loew fielded Hertha defender Arne Friedrich to replace injured Marcell Jansen within the starting lineup.