Austria comes up short against Hartberg again
Vienna Austria has slipped deeper into crisis with their third consecutive defeat in the football Bundesliga. The team led by coach Stephan Helm was clearly beaten 1:3 (0:1) by TSV Hartberg on Sunday, despite having the upper hand on the field. While the ice-cold East Styrians, coached by Manfred Schmid, celebrated their second league victory, the Violets remain with only one point after four rounds. For Helm, the situation becomes uncomfortable after a botched start to the season.
Dragovic Returned
The Hartberg team presented themselves in Vienna-Favoriten in front of 11,858 spectators with composure and secured the away victory with goals from Elias Havel (12th), Patrik Mijic (63rd), and "joker" Lukas Fridrikas (73rd). The latter scored in his debut in the TSV jersey just seven minutes after being substituted in. Austria, who managed a consolation goal with a header from Manfred Fischer (93rd) at the final whistle, lacked ideas in the offense in their first game after the departure of key player Dominik Fitz to Minnesota United in the MLS. Before the international break, Helm faces a crucial match at home against Altach.
At Austria, defense chief Aleksandar Dragovic celebrated his comeback after a muscle injury, and Manprit Sarkaria replaced playmaker Fitz. Before the kickoff, club legend Toni Pfeffer was honored belatedly for his 60th birthday. However, a gift in the form of an Austria victory was not granted to the former national player.
Austria Early in Deficit
The Violets started dominantly, with the Helm team recording 90 percent possession in the first ten minutes. However, no dangerous scoring chances emerged against the deep Hartberg defensive block. Instead, the guests celebrated after their first successful offensive action: Austria captain Manfred Fischer lost the ball during the build-up, Havel's shot from about 20 meters was deflected by Lee Tae-seok, making it unstoppable for Samuel Sahin-Radlinger in goal.
The Schmid team almost immediately followed up, but Jed Drew failed alone against Sahin-Radlinger (14th minute). In the stands, the Austria fans directed their displeasure at the sports director with chants of "Jürgen Werner out." On the pitch, the Violets lacked the spark of ideas, misplaced passes, and weak corner kicks prompted the violet supporters to a first round of whistles after the halftime whistle.
Hartberg Extended Lead
In the second half, little changed in the course of the game. Austria struggled but had the best chance to equalize through Johannes Eggestein. The German failed from close range against Hartberg goalkeeper Tom Hülsmann (53rd minute). The guests were more composed, Mijic poked the ball through Sahin-Radlinger's legs into the goal after a sprint into the depth. Substitute Sanel Saljic had the chance to score after a Hülsmann blunder but missed the empty goal (67th minute).
The Schmid team did better again, Fridrikas rounded Sahin-Radlinger, scored the final goal, and caused another piercing round of whistles in the quickly emptying arena. Even Fischer's consolation goal with the help of Youba Diarra after a corner in injury time did not change the mood among the Violets.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.