on the Germany match

As the match wore on, decided by German captain Michael Ballack’s superb free-kick, it was apparent that the thirty-year anniversary of the “miracle of Córdoba” would go left uncelebrated. As the dreams of advancing to the quarter-finals, amongst the adoring fans of Vienna disappeared, it equally became apparent to me that the real “miracle” had already happened.

To hoist a glistening trophy at the end of a tournament is a wondrous thing but to watch the players and the nation itself take leaps and bounds with pride is a remarkable turn of events. Such is the case with the Austrian national team, which saw their fortunes and own self-image change before our eyes.

Returning to the final match, if you were to simply look at the statistics or to possibly review the score a few years from now I suspect much will be lost. For those who watched the match it was a simple enough affair in which Austria’s scoring opportunities were few and far between against the obviously superior German unit. I suppose many will write of the problem of finishing and creative play by Austria but what I will remember most is the culture of winning that Josef Hickersberger imparted upon the squad. It is quite possible that this will be forgotten, although I hope not as it might be one of the great messages for Austria (and I should add for many teams and nations around the world) to remember in years to come. With advancement on the line, Coach Hickersberger taught one of the great messages of sport, to cast safety and doubt to the wind and attack with everything you have, attack with your best and challenge with every ounce of heart and soul you have and leave nothing to chance. This was a mark of a great coach and one that every player, coach or fan should take keen note of.

And so with the striking duo of Martin Harnik and Edwin Hoffer, both 21 and who hadn’t been paired since last summers U-20 World Cup, penciled into the starting lineup the squad strode proudly onto the pitch at Ernst Happel. It was a grand attack that said emphatically this team will not give up and a team that every Austrian should be proud-of. To some it may have been too daring of a strategy, even foolish for those who like to “play it safe” but upon closer inspection is perfunctory statement that Austria will attack with voraciously with guile, speed and most of all, passion.

I suppose it would have been nice to write the “Hollywood ending” of great goals scored by improbable hero’s but of course that isn’t the case. There are naturally a number of areas to work-on and no doubt the team the team will go through a number of changes in the future as they head towards World Cup qualifiers. While I am not positive if we’ve seen the last of Ivica Vastić on the international scene, if that is the case his final strike, the goal against Poland, will serve as an extraordinary ending for a player who has given the sport so much for the last twenty years. There is something perfect of great gladiator striking a goal with his final shot and if his the case for Ivica, it is a noble ending that he deserves.

The new chapter of Austrian Football starts now and burns bright as the torch is passed to younger players of the squad and those hoping for one day to have the honour to wear the Austrian colours. The great lessons over the last few years will echo throughout the sport domestically and thankfully the ÖFB has Josef Hickersberger, a name synonymous with Austrian Football, leading the charge.