Euro 2008 Review – Austrian Last Gasp Reprieve
Posted by evdomada on June 13, 2008
It looked like the co-hosts would be beaten to their second successive Group B defeat after Roger Guerriro’s (became nationalised in the Spring) suspect 30th minute strike gave Poland a lead for over an hour before Vastic saved the day with a time added on penalty strike. Also it gave Austria faint hopes of progressing to the Quarter Finals. First they must beat Germany who lost earlier to Croatia 2-1.
Austria coach Josef Hickersberger decided to shake things up after the opening defeat by Croatia. Not only did he revert to the basic 4-4-2 model he also introduced three new players — attacking midfield duo Ümit Korkmaz and Christoph Leitgeb and Italy-based right-back György Garics.
All three added zest to the team and they began in whirlwind fashion, setting determinedly about a Polish defence, when they were caught out too far upfield. Austria squandered three to four golden chances to get Austria ahead after 20 minutes. Twice Austria raced clean through, creating one-on-one opportunities that were spurned by Martin Harnik and Leitgeb or, rather, prevented by the sprawling figure of goalkeeper Boruc, who also made another fine close-range stop from Harnik inbetween.Poland somehow found themselves, against the run of play, back into the game and were awarded Guerriro’s goal even though there was every good reason it should of been called off side.
Austria strove manfully to find an equaliser, with Hickersberger throwing on Roman Kienast, Vastic and Jürgen Säumel as the clock ticked down. Säumel and Prödl both sent efforts too high and it seemed there would be no beating Boruc – until Prödl won the penalty and the 38-year-old Vastic did the rest .
A study of the match indicates 1-1 was a fair result. The comparative statistics could not have been much closer, with both teams having 13 shots; Poland edging the number on target by seven to five, but Austria having nine corner-kicks to eight and a slightly edging possession at 53 per cent to 47.
The final group match between Austria and Germany, both need to win to progress, should be enticing with Austria hoping to upset there neighbours. The winner of the match should progress unless Poland can upset Croatia by 3 or more goals.
ZuZu@skylproductions.com
