Austria relies on its own strengths

Source: Agencies  |   2008-6-12  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

AUSTRIA didn't want to talk about Poland's possible weaknesses before their crucial game at the European Championship.

"We have respect for Poland, but we will rely on our own strengths," Austria team manager Andreas Herzog said.

Austria lost its opening Group B match to Croatia 1-0 on Sunday, and Poland was beaten by Germany 2-0. Losing a second time would eliminate either team.

Prior to the Croatia game, several Austrian players openly discussed what they thought were weak spots in their opponent's team. Austria captain Andreas Ivanschitz, for instance, considered Croatia's central defense as "vulnerable," adding that Austria's "fleet-footed strikers ... can hurt them."

No such words from Ivanschitz this time about Austria's next opponent, Poland. "I think this match is going to be even harder than Sunday's," the midfielder said. "I expect Poland to be more battlesome, they have great physical strengths.

"They surely have some weaknesses, too. We analyzed them, but I won't speak about it. I know they are plagued by several injuries. Of course, their lineup interests me, but I'm more interested in our own."

Ivanschitz has slightly torn ligaments in his right knee, but he completed all training sessions and said he can play against Poland.

"It's definitely no problem. I am fit," Ivanschitz said.

Austria hoped to have learned from some costly mistakes against Croatia. The team dropped behind after only four minutes in a shaky opening phase, and wasn't able to create good scoring chances despite dominating in the second half.

Austria coach Josef Hickersberger was likely to change the 3-5-2 into a 4-4-2 system and was expected to bring midfielder Umit Korkmaz and striker Roman Kienast into the starting lineup.

Poland need to overcome the loss of captain Maciej Zurawski, whose stay in the group stage ended at halftime on Sunday after suffering a thigh injury.

The midfielder might be fit for later, should the Poles reach the last eight, though his team will clearly need to step up a gear after losing.

The Poles looked a pale shadow of the side who secured their place at the finals as group winners and there are unlikely to be sweeping changes in the line-up.

Forward Ebi Smolarek, who scored nine times in qualifying and had a goal disallowed for offside against Germany, should again provide the Poles' main threat.