A short trip abroad to Vienna saw the Old International freezing at the Generali Arena in Vienna to watch an entertaining game of football between FK Austria and local upstarts SC Wiener Neustadt, which ended in a fair 2-2 draw. After years of unrest, it looks as though Austria are on their way back to former success. Even progress in Europe is not out of reach for them, provided of course results go their way in the last two group games.
The Generali Arena, formerly the Franz Horr Stadion, was not sold out despite Austria being top of the table. That however, did not prevent the eastern stand to make themselves heard throughout the ninety minutes with a vast variety of songs and chants to celebrate the century of FK Austria.
As early as the second minute, Austria nearly had reason to be cheerful as Barazite headed home from the six yard box to put the home side in front. The goal was disallowed as the referee has spotted a handball. The remainder of the first half hour was almost event less until the 28th minute when Wiener Neustadt had one rare attack: a long ball over the top to their centre forward Friesenbichler, who tumbled under the charge of Austria centre back Margreiter. Too easy to call for a penalty and correctly the referee waved to play on. The hosts enjoyed the majority of possession, of chances and half chances but they either found their master in SCW’s keeper Siebenhandl or were wide off the target. The left side of Austria’s midfield looked sparkling throughout the first half and it was here where most of the attacks started. Albeit to no avail.
From that came what had to come, Wiener Neustadt scored from a rare counter attack. A cross from the right was palmed away by Lindner but not far enough, the lose ball fell to SCW’s captain Simkovic who had no problems to slot home from 11 metres into an empty net. For the remaining time in the first half Austria were stunned.
In the second half they came out all guns blazing and were instantly rewarded with a questionable goal from Tomas Jun whose shot did appear not to have crossed the line completely, however, the referee consulted his assistant and decided to give the goal despite the protests of Wiener Neustadt. Their coach, Peter St