Czech Republic (3) v (4) Austria

By Fiona Crawford

Austria defeated the Czech Republic 4-3 in a close struggle at Federation Square today despite an on-field appearance by crowd favourite Czech Republic goalkeeper, Igor Karpis.

The Czech Republic drew first blood when Josef Bartos slotted one past the keeper.

Austria equalised and then pulled one goal ahead and the Czech Republic subbed on fresh legs.

Austria almost scored again with a crowd-pleasing back-to-goal bicycle kick and, not to be outdone, the Czech Republic's Martin Zejglic managed a defensive bicycle kick of his own.

The Austrian keeper was penalised for stepping outside his area just inside the second half, but Petr Havlik's screamer of a shot hit the crossbar and rebounded.

The Czech Republic keeper then saved a battering of shots and was absolutely pumped, even shouldering back a wayward throw in.

The Czech Republic clawed back two goals to lock the scores at 3-3. But Austria pulled ahead again with a toe-punt goal and the Czech Republic couldn't find an equaliser in the final minutes of the match.

Austria now sits in second place in Group H, while the Czech Republic trails the group.

Photos: Photoworx