Goalless draw in test against Floridsdorfer AC

Austria Wien and Floridsdorfer AC played out a goalless 0-0 draw in their pre-season friendly in Unterstinkenbrunn. The match was played over 105 minutes, with the Violets fielding several young players, particularly in the second half.

In the middle of the third week of summer preparations, the Violets visited the small but nice sports facility of SV Unterstinkenbrunn, where they faced Floridsdorfer AC. Coach Stephan Helm fielded new signing Noah Botić for the first time, who played up front alongside Maurice Malone.

Behind the two, Manprit Sarkaria and Abu Barry were supposed to provide some spark, but like their teammates, they struggled in the opening minutes, with tired legs hampering their liveliness. FAC had the first chance (3'), but it didn't really threaten Samuel Şahin-Radlinger. At the other end, Austria slowly found their way into the game, with Johannes Handl having the best chance after a corner (26').

After 30 minutes, both teams switched sides and Aleksandar Dragović & Co were now more active and played more attractively. Botić had the chance to take the lead, but his shot after a pass from Malone was well saved (45'). The first substitutions followed, with Dominik Fitz and Kang Hee Lee, among others, coming on to join the defensive back three (50').

More chances, but no goals in the second half

At the start of the second half, the Violet coaching team made a complete change. In addition to several young players such as Dominik Nišandžić, who scored two goals in Kobersdorf, Aleksa Ilić and Philipp Maybach, Kelvin Boateng was also new to the team. The FAC keeper once again made a strong save from a powerful shot by the striker from the edge of the penalty area, and immediately after the resulting corner, Marko Raguž tried a bicycle kick, but unfortunately his perfect execution only amazed the crowd and did not find the back of the net (75').

A powerful shot from Luca Pazourek (82') was again well saved, and a free kick from Fitz curved around the wall but not past the Floridsdorf keeper (98'). Shortly afterwards, Mirko Kos and Dejan Radonjić were on hand for a counterattack (101'). In the end, it remained a goalless draw in Unterstinkenbrunn.

Stephan Helm: 'We were able to work on our match fitness again today, which was very important for us. FAC were good opponents on a very narrow pitch, so it was very difficult to get through at the beginning. As the game progressed, however, we created several chances, but unfortunately we didn't manage to score. At this stage, it's also important that we continue to improve our processes. I think we can take away important lessons from today's game about what we still need to work on.'

Tin Plavotić, Konstantin Aleksa and Ifeanyi Ndukwe were not involved due to minor issues, but all three are expected to return to the squad soon.

Austria Wien – Floridsdorfer AC 0-0

Austria, 1st half: Şahin-Radlinger – Handl (Radonjić 50'), Dragović, Wiesinger (Lee 50') – Ranftl, Fischer, Guenouche – Barry, Sarkaria (Fitz 50') – Botić (Maybach 50'), Malone

2nd half: Kos – Radonjić, Ilić, Lee – Pazourek, Maybach, Schablas – Nišandžić, Fitz – Boateng, Raguž

Playing time: 1st half 60 minutes, 2nd half 45 minutes