Clausewitz

Quite obviously with this evenings Austria v Germany match only a few hours a way a preview is needed. As you may be aware, much is on the line for both squads. Germany, the team I choose to win the tournament a month ago, faces elimination from the hands its neighbour, Austria. Austria, which had the dubious distinction of being the lowest ranked team in Euro Championship history as well as facing less that unanimous support domestically, has defied the odds and sits on the verge of qualifying for the next round. Over the course of their first two matches the team has displayed many characteristics most notably a well structured scheme to emphasize their strong-points which in many ways is due in part to the tremendous plan that the Österreichischer Fußball Bund put together a number of years ago. However beyond these tangible areas the greatest attribute the team has shown is equally the pre-tournament goal they had of representing beautiful Austria with pride and dignity and quite obviously this goal has been achieved with a resounding flourish.

In previewing this match, Germany is quite obviously a superior team of skilled Footballers. As the number five ranked team in the world they consistently engineer teams that are able to dissect opponents and efficiently expose weaknesses. Certainly the German team hasn’t appeared to be running with all cylinders but they should never be underestimated. They will be without Bastian Schweinsteiger for his foolish red-card and while there was a great deal of concern over the health of Philipp Lahm and Lukas Podolski, both are match fit.

Austria is completely healthy but will be without the emerging star Sebastian Prödl who is serving a suspension. In his place it is expected that 35 year-old Martin Hiden will get the nod for his fiftieth cap. The defensive back line of Mad Dog Pogatetz, Martin Stranzl, György Garics and Martin Hiden must continue its stellar play and shut-down the German attacks. In the mid-field, Andreas Ivanschitz, René Aufhauser, Christoph Leitgeb and the creative energetic force of Ümit Korkmaz will need to rise-up to match the stellar German mid-field. I expect to see Ivica to once again come off the bench later in the match to lift the team and provide creative force. The striking duo of Martin Harnik and Roland Linz need to capitalize on all opportunities and not squander any openings. Martin has the pace to create havoc in the counter attack but must convert. Roland’s ankle injury has improved measurably since the match against Poland and could easily be the deciding factor. Success today will be keyed by attacking, not sitting-back, making use of the teams speed in assault and a enormous work-rate.

How I see this match is rather simple because it goes far, far beyond tangible line-up cards. I see Austria performing with a intense level determination and grit that can only be coached by Josef Hickersberger, a man on the pitch thirty years ago in the great miracle of Córdoba. It will certainly not be easy and in many ways a Herculean task that is only capable with the support of all Austrian supporters and something few people tend to look at. To quote 19th century Prussian military leader, Karl Von Clausewitz, “human will is indefensible” and those words are cornerstone of Austria’s preparation.