In the U17 duel between Austria and Spain, the guests took an early lead through Juan Hernandez (12th), but Dortmund’s young player Thierry Fidjeu-Tazemeta equalized shortly afterwards with a free kick (19th). Ensar Music put Austria in the lead with a 20-meter shot into Kreuzeck (36th), and Philip Moizi fixed the final score with a penalty (80th).
The Austrians, coached by Martin Scherb, won Group 7 in the qualifying elite round with seven points undefeated. The Spaniards (6) were also able to look forward to a European Championship ticket as one of the seven best runners-up in the group. The tournament takes place between May 20th and June 5th.
“Incredible performance from our team”
“Incredible performance from our team. We had to overcome a lot of resistance, especially because important players were unavailable. The team reacted so well and implemented our match plan, which we adapted from the other games, perfectly,” Scherb summed up. His team defended in a really disciplined manner and repeatedly put the pinpricks.
It was even nicer that all the counterattacks led to success. “We got a little tired in the second half, but the team got through it really well. An incredible performance, I’m incredibly proud.” There was lots of cheering after the final whistle. “Now we’re celebrating with the boys, appropriate to their age of course, and from tomorrow we’re thinking about the Euros. Today the joy is simply enormous,” said the 54-year-old from Lower Austria.
U19 national team misses qualification
Austria’s U19 national team, however, failed to qualify for the European Championship finals in Northern Ireland this summer. The ÖFB selection was defeated 1-2 in the decisive match against Spain in Lendava on Tuesday.
The Spaniards (seven points) won Group I in Slovenia ahead of the hosts (four), Austria and Kosovo (three each). The goal for the Austrians came from a Gonzalez own goal (82nd). Only the group winner is promoted.
Lederer: “Very, very bitter”
In the end, ÖFB coach Oliver Lederer probably said what many were thinking. “Right now it’s just very, very bitter. It’s a tournament, we really wanted to win and get to the finals. We didn’t manage to do that today. That’s why there are a lot of sad faces so soon after the game,” said the coach.
But they showed “really good performances” in all three games. Also against the Spaniards. “I don’t think it’s happened that often that Spain was dominated like they were today in the first half.”
