Aussie plays key role in Frankfurt’s Europa glory

EINTRACHT Frankfurt defeated Rangers 5-4 on penalties to win the Europa League on Thursday after the final in Seville finished 1-1 at the end of extra time.

Socceroo Ajdin Hrustic converted a crucial penalty for Frankfurt in the victory, becoming the first Aussie male to play and win in a major European final since Harry Kewell with Liverpool in the 2005 UEFA Champions League

Aaron Ramsey missed for Rangers in the shoot-out before Rafael Borre struck the winning shot to complete Frankfurt’s triumph.

Borre was the hero of the night, after earlier cancelling out Joe Aribo’s opener for Rangers as Frankfurt won its first European trophy since 1980 and booked its place in next season’s Champions League. “We are all heroes. Without the fans we wouldn’t have made it,” Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp said.

Both clubs were looking to win a second European title in their history, Rangers after clinching the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1972 and Frankfurt after it lifted the UEFA Cup 42 years ago.

But Rangers came up short at the end of a remarkable run to the final. Frankfurt beat Real Betis, Barcelona and West Ham en route to the final.