Austria

The best of Euro 2008

Emmanuel F24 — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:12:27 +0200

The Euro 2008 in 10 pictures. From England's absence to Spain's first victory since 1964, Franck Ribery's injury and France's disqualification, this championship had its moments. Here's our pick of the best.

Ballack sends unconvincing Germany to quarterfinals

Marc F24 — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:57:20 +0200

Germany defeated their smaller neighbour Austria, the co-hosts of Euro 2008 1-0 to reach final eight. Croatia, already sure to win the group, beat Poland 1-0 in Klagenfurt. Germany will play Portugal in Basel on Thursday in the quarter-finals with Croatia playing Turkey in Vienna the following day.

'The penalty is no excuse'

Nicolas F24 — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:21:55 +0200

Flickr picture by Jadranka

Taking advantage of a sleepy Mannschaft, Croatia stormed into the lead in Group B and booked a place in the quarter-finals. With one win and one defeat, Germany remain in a strong position, though they cannot afford further mistakes. As for Austria and Poland, a win in their last game is crucial if they are to stand any chance of qualifying.

Austria snap a last minute draw

Emmanuel F24 — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 22:59:13 +0200

Finally, Austria could celebrate their first goal in the competition! A last-minute penalty gave hope to the whole nation disillusioned by their first performance against Croatia.

Brazilian-born Roger Guerreiro gave the lead to his adoptive Poland in the 30th minute. The Poles dominated the game but couldn't cope with the Austrian home support.

The game finally ended on a draw, which allows Austrians to dream of a victory against Germany and a ticket to the quarter-final.

Croatia has automatically qualified for the next round.

Austria and Poland want their ticket too

Emmanuel F24 — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 22:30:11 +0200

Neither Austria, nor Poland can afford to lose this game. Austria will have the public behind them but Poland will do with their experience, but which strategy to chose?

Hapless Austrians struck by solid Croatian side

Thibault F24 — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 22:19:14 +0200

Austria gave credit to sceptics’ forecasts that they would loose all three qualifying games as they fell to an orderly Croatian side in their Group B opening game in Vienna.

Though putting in a brave performance in front of their home crowd, the hosts showed all their limits as they proved unable to equalise after Croatia’s 4th-minute penalty.

Like co-hosts Switzerland, Austria now need to raise their game and learn to take their chances if they are to make any progress in the tournament.

As for Croatia, they will fancy their chances for a shot at the trophy. Of course, they faced a downhill task in Vienna after an ugly piece of defending handed them a cheap penalty.

Still, beating the home side is never an easy ride, and Slaven Bilic’s men were easily up to the job.

Though they still have to face Germany and Poland in the group stage, Croatia must now be oozing with confidence.

After all, they did ensure the likes of Beckham, Gerrard and Rooney would take no part in this competition.

How far can the hosts go?

Thibault F24 — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 18:21:59 +0200

Host nations are always likely to put in a good showing. Carried by popular enthusiasm, players are expected to give their utmost to lead the home nation as far as possible in the competition.

Still, few would fancy Switzerland and Austria’s chances this time round. Neither were particularly impressive in pre-tournament displays, while pressure from the home crowd may actually prove to be a handicap rather than a motivating factor.

Exasperated by their team’s poor performance so far, some Austrian fans went so far as to plead for the squad’s withdrawal from the contest.

So what may the red-and-white fans hope for? Will Alpine bells and Tyrolean chanting give wings to the home sides?

Observers for Euro 2008

Emmanuel F24 — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:05:17 +0200

For the 13th European Nations Cup, 16 teams will face off from 7-29 June in Switzerland and Austria. Each of them will be pursuing a single aim: to lift the continent’s most prestigious trophy.

To follow this adventure, FRANCE 24 has put together a team of 37 Observers from 14 different countries to bring the event to you in a way never seen before.

Football amateurs, referees, die-hard football fans and former players such as Manuel Amoros, Bernard Bosquier, Grzegorz Lato and Rainer Bonhof will all be there to give you comments, photos and videos, from the very first match in Basel till the grand finale in Vienna.