Austria loses 0:1 in Graz

Austria was defeated for the first time in the eighth match of the year. A goal by Jon Gorenc Stankovič in the 51st minute decided the match in favor of Graz.

Head coach Manfred Schmid opted for a 5-3-2 system in the third clash against Sturm Graz. Christian Schoissengeyr moved into the team, Leonardo Ivkić replaced the ill Marvin Martins on the right wing. Alongside Marco Djuričin, Noah Ohio started in the attack. Alexander Grünwald and Aleksandar Jukić remained on the bench for the time being.

The runners-up from Graz under coach Christian Ilzer started against Austria with three changes. Amadou Dante replaced Andreas Kuen in defense, while Jakob Jantscher and Otar Kiteishvili started on offense in place of Stefan Hierländer and Anderson Niangbo.

No goals before the break

The opening phase of the match belonged to the hosts. Gregory Wüthrich had the first major chance in the 7th minute, Patrick Pentz parried the shot from close range. A little later, it was again the center-back who had a finish after a corner kick, but again Pentz was on the spot (10.). After that, the Violets did well to stop further opportunities from Graz. Sturm had nine shots on goal, but apart from the two mentioned earlier, none became dangerous. Austria had opportunities in the switching game, but could not finish them consistently. A rather mediocre first half went into the dressing rooms with a 0-0 score.

Sturm scored shortly after the change of ends

The second half started unpleasantly: Jon Gorenc Stankovič scored after an assist from Otar Kiteishvili to make it 1:0 (51.). After an hour, Manfred Schmid made three changes: Can Keles, Aleksandar Jukić and Romeo Vucic came in for Leonardo Ivkić, Noah Ohio and Marco Djuričin. Vucic had a great chance to equalize in the 69th minute after a one-two with Manfred Fischer, but failed to beat Jörg Siebenhandl. After a cross from Markus Suttner, Vucic's header went past the far corner (80th). Dario Kreiker replaced Matthias Braunöder in the final phase. A finish from a turn by Manfred Fischer was too central (88th), and the equalizer would not come. Austria had to admit defeat to Sturm Graz with 0:1.

SK Puntigamer Sturm Graz - FK Austria Wien 1:0 (0:0)

Sturm: Siebenhandl; Gazibegović (86. Jäger), Affengruber, Wüthrich, Dante; Sarkaria (70. Kuen), Gorenc Stankovič, Kiteishvili (78. Niangbo), Prass; Jantscher (86. Hierländer), Højlund

Austria: Pentz; Ivkić (61. Keles), Mühl, Schoissengeyr, Galvão, Suttner; Martel, Fischer, Braunöder (81. Kreiker); Djuričin (61. Vucic), Ohio (61. Jukić)

Goal: Gorenc Stankovič (51.)

Yellow cards: Ivkić (24th), Martel (58th), Vucic (83rd), Schoissengeyr (90.+2).

Merkur Arena, referee Stefan Ebner, 12,023 spectators