Norway (3) v (5) Austria

By Dhugal Bedingfield

AUSTRIA has overcome Norway 5-3 in a bruising encounter on Yarra Pitch to claim seventh place in the Dignitary Cup.

With both teams usually competing in red, Norway graciously agreed to don white strips for the match but it didn't appear to unsettle the Norwegians who took a 1-0 lead when Trond Langenland sent a shot through the legs of Richard Hackl.

Austria gradually took control of the midfield and took a 2-1 lead into half time through goals from Siavo Botoev and Sergio Yavus.

The referee seemed to have his whistle in his pocket for most of the match, letting the play go.

This suited the physical Norwegians whose tough tackling made it hard for Austria to find a breakthrough.

Norwegian captain Trond Laland equalized within 15 seconds of the restart.

A tower of strength at the back, it looked like he might keep the Austrian forwards at bay for the entire half but the Austrians eventually took the lead through a fortunate own goal.

Oddvar Anderson's cheeky finish brought the scores level again but when he clattered into "Pitbull" Fasching tempers began to flare and it was the Austrians who responded to the challenge.

A goal from Botoev and then a penalty from Orli Yildirim gave the Austrians a two goal buffer before some quality saves from Hackl saw them through to the final whistle.

Photos: Photoworx