“Semi-finals, no goals conceded – it doesn’t get much better than that,” said coach Robert Ibertsberger happily after his competitive debut with the Innviertler. “I’m extremely proud of the team.”
It was a sovereign performance, in which Ibertsberger had to change the new back four in the 21st minute: he brought Luca Meisl into play for the injured Markus Lackner. Then the hosts started: A shot by Stefan Nutz was blocked (31′), shortly afterwards Ante Bajic shot twice dangerously. Ried remained aggressive: Marcel Ziegl from a distance, Bajic with a volley from the sixteen corner and Stefan Nutz from close range missed further chances.
A few seconds after the restart, the 1150 fans had the goal scream on their lips again: Bajic failed with an art shot (46th). Ried was finally able to celebrate in the 50th minute – thanks to the help of VAR, who made their first appearance in the quarter-finals of the cup. Referee Harald Lechner saw the video evidence that Klagenfurt’s Markus Pink had hit the ball on his arm. Wießmeier safely converted the penalty – 1:0 (50th).
“Beat the nearest opponent”
The Innviertlers had to tremble up to the 78th minute, although the guests only appeared offensively with a Wimmer header (54th). Marcel Canadi (63′), Nutz (65′) and Nene (73′, 75′) missed chances. But then came a genius moment from substitute Leo Mikic: he elegantly let the defense stand and scored the fourth of his five competitive goals after being substituted on. “We’ll also beat the next opponent,” said the noble joker after the game. “I want to go to the final!”
“We can celebrate,” said Ibertsberger. He wants to see confirmation of his performance in the remaining four rounds in the regular season and “achieve what we all hope for” – entry into the master group. The promotion to the cup semi-finals was a motivational boost.
Source: Nachrichten
