大象传媒

Vienna

So it's all over for the Austrians, but at least they won their own private duel with co-hosts Switzerland.

The Swiss saw their tournament end after just two games. The Austrians, with a little help from English referee Howard Webb, ensured they still had a fighting chance of making it through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 as they prepared to take on old foes Germany on Monday night.

In the end, put paid to any hopes Josef Hickerberger's side had of repeating their famous 1978 win over their neighbours, but it seemed that every man, woman and child in Vienna sat down to watch the game at the Ernst Happel Stadium.

But that's not quite the end of the European dream for the Austrians. On Saturday, their women's team face a hugely important game of their own.

With qualification for the 2009 European Championship in Finland reaching its in the coming months, Austria still have a chance of making October's play-offs.

Thanks to a in their last game, they lie fourth in Group 6, just one point off that all-important third spot.

And with three games left to third-placed Poland's two, Ernst Weber's team are naturally optimistic.

It won't be easy against Norway this weekend. The Scandinavians have won all five group games to date, are currently the 5th best team in the world, and beat the Austrians, ranked 38th, 3-0 at home a year ago.

But, like Hickersberger and co last night, they still have hope.

-------------------------------------------

Just taken a tour to the local shopping centre. A few "Sale" stickers slapped on Euro 2008 gear while the chap in charge of the penalty shoot-out seems to be lacking enthusiasm today, although there's still a lot of people queuing up to try their luck.

Can't say I'm surprised. Looks as though the Austrians are winding up their interest in the tournament now their team is out.