the Faroe Islands curse

October 12th, 2008 | By: j | 6 Comments »

Austria’s Faroe Islands curse continued as the tiny nation played Karel Brückner’s squad to a 1-1 draw in Torshavn. Bogi Lokin gave the home club the lead two minutes after the break with Spartak Moscow’s Martin Stranzl leveling the match only two minutes later. Austria poured forward looking to break through and earn the victory but it was not to be and the match ended in a draw.

The one-point draw is a heavy drawback for Austria’s qualifying hopes but they must turn quickly as they face the very talented Serbia squad this Wednesday.

Austria lineup:
Alexander Manninger - György Garics (Roman Kienast 67′), Sebastian Prödl, Martin Stranzl, Emanuel Pogatetz - Martin Harnik (Andreas Hölzl 25′), Paul Scharner, Andreas Ivanschitz, Christian Fuchs - “Jimmy” Hoffer, Marc Janko (Marko Arnautović 81′)

Tags: Team News

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Comments

By Jan | October 13th, 2008 at 3:11 am

I read on an Austrian website that there were issues concerning the match being broadcast on Austrian TV. Did you get a chance to watch it?

Posted from Netherlands

By j | October 13th, 2008 at 7:51 am

I think the issues were mostly on broadcast rights with conventional tv. I had no problems with watching the match but I’ll pick up the regional broadcast and then “sling” it to me (i.e. handheld or laptop).

It (quite) obviously wasn’t a positive showing for Austria and a horrible two points to drop. Their problems were in creating scoring opportunities and lacking creativity in the midfield.

Posted from Germany

By Nikola | October 13th, 2008 at 8:06 am

I really can’t wait wednesday’s match. Serbian team never really offered much chances for optimism to it’s fans, but after the game against Lithuania (dubbed as the match of the decade), there is the aura of optimism and pride that is unparallelled in Serbia’s recent football history (excluding the ever-popular U21’s). The way they fought on the pitch was almost unbeleivable and that’s why the victory against a relatively weak team like Lithuania caused so much media and fan attention - after so many years, Serbia started looking like a real, organized and extremely motivated national team. This is definetely going to be a fiery and interesting match, a make or break for both teams.

By j | October 13th, 2008 at 8:22 am

Nikola - I couldn’t agree more regarding Serbia and I think things are finally turning. Hopefully we’ll this echo in the domestic league as well.

It was good to see Red Star’s Nenad Milijas have a strong match against Lithuania. Do you think we’ll see Zoran Tošić against Austria? He’s an exciting young player that I hope stays at Partizan.

Posted from Germany

By Nikola | October 13th, 2008 at 8:39 am

Well, young Zoran Tošić migh get the chance to play, but after such a wonderful performance from Jovanović and Krasić, it wouldn’t be very wise do drop either of the two. Perhaps Antić decides to put Jovanović up front and play Tošić on the left, with Krasić again on the right. There really are many alternatives and I’m never really able the guess Antić’s starting formation 100% accurately, so excuse me if I miss completely.

Have you watched the Serbia - Lithuania game? If yes, what do you think?

By j | October 13th, 2008 at 8:57 am

I understand regarding choices and I was also wondering if Boško Janković would feature. I can’t argue with Miloš Krasić and he’s been a joy to watch this year with CSKA.

I was at another match but had the Serbia - Lithuania match slinged to my handheld and then watched it after. They are showing tremendous attacking flourish but at a higher level of confidence in recent years. It is obviously “too soon” but I think the tide has turned. Now if only more will stay in the domestic league -

Posted from Germany

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