VIENNA, June 13: Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger will miss Monday’s game against co-hosts Austria after being banned for one match at Euro 2008.

UEFA said in a statement on Friday he had been suspended for unsporting conduct after being sent off against Croatia in the 92nd minute of Thursday’s Group ‘B’ game, which Germany lost 2-1.

Schweinsteiger became the first player to be sent off at these finals when he pushed Jerko Leko to the ground in retaliation for a tackle from behind in injury time.

“The sending off was naturally very frustrating,” Schweinsteiger was quoted as saying on the official German Football Federation website. “But after the kick from behind I felt a stabbing pain in my already painful ankle and I reacted badly.

“I firmly believe in our team and that we’ll get to the quarter-finals. I’ll be crossing my fingers for the team from the tribune,” he added. Germany need only a draw against Austria to join Croatia, who have already qualified, in the last eight.—Reuters