Austria recover from Agius blow

Wednesday, 7 February 2007
by Domenic Aquilina
from National Stadium

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Malta 1-1 Austria
Malta earned an impressive draw against UEFA EURO 2008™ co-hosts Austria in Ta' Qali, as they marked the 50th anniversary of their international debut in style.

Historic game
Austria were also the opponents in 1957 when Malta made their bow, winning 3-2 after a strong start to the match, but it was the hosts who began in determined mood here. Gilbert Agius quickly gave the home crowd reason to cheer when he crashed in a volley after just eight minutes, driving beyond Jürgen Macho in the Austria goal. It was Coventry City FC striker Michael Misfud who was to prove a thorn in the side of the visiting defence, however, going close again before Austria emerged for the second half with renewed vigour.

Late chances
Within three minutes, captain Andreas Ivanschitz had levelled with a deflected free-kick that somehow found its way through a crowded box and left Justin Haber wrong-footed. The Malta team of old might have folded, but having beaten Hungary 2-1 in October, Dušan Fitzel's side are full of confidence. Mifsud tested Austria's substitute goalkeeper Alex Manninger with a fine effort, and almost stole the win late on before his solo run was ended by stout defending. It could not dampen the enthusiasm of the locals, but for Austria coach Josef Hickersberger it is back to the drawing board.

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