Slovenia (3) v Austria (4)

Paul Macklesworth

It was an Alpine Derby here today as Austria took on Slovenia in a closely fought Group 5 match. Soon after the South African referee started the match, Slovenia had an early scare as their keeper almost fumbled a long range effort over his own line. Moments later, he redeemed himself with a great save from Austria's number 3. There was soon action at the other end as Slovenia's number 10 put a good chance to open the scoring over the Austrian bar. However, the it was the Slovenians who took the lead as number 10 finished from a close angle.

Moments later, the Austrians were awarded a penalty as there were 3 Slovenians in their own half. Austria's number 9 took the penalty and the scores were leveled. The Austrian keeper made a fantastic save form a quickly taken free kick, but straight up the other end the Austrians went and promptly made the scores 2-1. Further Slovenian pressure drew another remarkable save from the Austrian keeper.
The Austrians made a quick substitution and this paid immediate dividends as their number 2 scored Austria's third goal. So our half time score was Austria 3 Slovenia 1.

The second half started brightly with Austria going close after a clinical long ball from defense. However, the Slovenian number 10 struck a wonderful shot from just over halfway and made it 3-2. Would the great comeback be on? It almost was seconds later as Slovenia's number 10 hit the post! Back at the other end, the Slovenian keeper keeps his team in the game with a superb save from Austria's number 8. Play is then stopped as the ball is lost. When play resumes, a clinical throughball puts Slovenian number 10 in on a one-on-one with the Austrian keeper. Slovenia's number 10 rounded the keeper and slotted the ball into the open Austrian net.

Moments later, Austria's number 8 went close, but Austria's number 9 scored from the rebound. The Austrian keeper then pulls off another reflex save to deny Slovenia's number 10 an equaliser and his hat trick.