Whether Austria’s soccer women would have filled the NV Arena in St. Pölten, which holds around 8,000 spectators, on Tuesday cannot be determined. The train for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand has left, the play-off home final against Ireland will not take place after the 0-1 after extra time in Glasgow against Scotland. “It’s a mark of good athletes to grow after such a defeat,” said team boss Irene Fuhrmann, who didn’t have her best day either, to offer consolation.
The fact that the 42-year-old Viennese took the winger Julia Hickelsberger-Füller (TSG Hoffenheim), who once hit the top of the bar (43rd) and with her speed the quality to make the difference, off the field in the 64th minute, not only surprised the former team striker Lisa Makas.
Austria’s selection owed a lot. The performance was (miles) far away from the courageous EURO performances against Norway (1:0) and also in the quarterfinals against Germany (0:2). Playfulness and train to the goal were missing. “I’m of the opinion that not every player was at the limit. You can’t afford that in a match like this,” said Fuhrmann, Austria’s coach personality of the year. “We lacked a bit of energy,” added midfielder Laura Feiersinger.
Of course, the mood in the dressing room was bleak. “It hurts incredibly. I was in a vale of tears. There was silence in the cabin – emptiness,” reported ÖFB goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger, who was not happy when the goal was 0-1 in the 92nd minute. She was stuck on the line, Abigail Harrison headed thank you.
At the moment it is difficult to look ahead. The next “tangible” highlight will be the EURO 2025. (Alex)
Email to …Austria’s women’s team page 18
Source: Nachrichten
