Austria ready for German battle

Co-hosts set their sights on the quarter-finals

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 14th June 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Austria ready for German battle

Linz: Looking to cause a shock

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Austria are in confident mood heading into their crucial Euro 2008 Group B contest with Germany.

Even victory over their near neighbours may not be enough to secure the co-hosts' progression to the quarter-finals, but they will be doing all they can to ensure that they complete their part of the bargain.

An injury-time equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Poland on Thursday has thrown the group wide open, with only Croatia assured of their progression to the last eight.

The form book, and Fifa world rankings, would appear to give Josef Hickersberger's men little chance against their illustrious opponents, but anything is possible.

Germany looked ragged in their 2-1 defeat to Croatia in midweek and may be affected by the pressure surrounding their squad.

Austria striker Roland Linz admits that the tournaments ran outsiders must raise their game on Monday to give themselves any chance of causing an upset, especially as Germany ran out 3-0 winners in a recent friendly between the two sides.

Belief

"In the end we're very happy and now we hope we can spring a surprise. Why not?" said Linz.

"We played a friendly against Germany a few months ago and for about 60 minutes we were much better than Germany and then we let in three stupid goals.

"I think if we can play 90 minutes like those 60 we can win.

"We believe in ourselves, we will fight for Austrian football, for the country. I think it will be a fantastic game."