Kuranyi treble cheers Klinsmann

Austria 1-3 Germany
A Kevin Kuranyi hat-trick gave Jürgen Klinsmann a victorious start as Germany coach against Austria in Vienna.

Difficult opposition
However, despite the final score Austria produced a creditable team performance and, once the home side had equalised the VfB Stuttgart striker's second-minute opener, the Germans struggled to make any inroads into a tenacious and well-motivated Austrian side until Kuranyi revived his side just after the hour with a headed goal.

Coaching debut
The game had started perfectly for German legend Klinsmann, who was making his coaching debut. Barely 90 seconds had elapsed when Kuranyi wrong-footed goalkeeper Thomas Mandl to give his side the lead after Michael Ballack had danced through the Austrian defence. But on ten minutes, the home side equalised when midfield player Martin Amerhauser was given too much time on the edge of the penalty area and blasted the ball into the far corner.

Stiff resistance
The goal roused Austria and their defence quickly regained their composure after conceding so early, offering stiff resistance for the rest of the half and restricting Germany to speculative shots from outside the area. In addition, the Austrian midfield offered greater assistance, growing in confidence and pushing further and further up the pitch.

Hat-trick strike
Germany continued to dominate possession, though, and that was always likely to tell in the end. Kuranyi's second goal on 61 minutes released the growing tension and he completed his hat-trick with 17 minutes remaining when he rounded Mandl after the Austrian goalkeeper had attempted to intercept a pass.

England fixture
Although Austria finally showed some attacking intent by switching to two strikers, the German side cruised to victory to ensure their new coach began his reign with a win. Austria must now prepare to face England on 4 September in their FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 6 opener.

'Great commitment'
Klinsmann, whose German side are hosting the tournament, must learn about his team in friendlies. "I'm pleased, primarily with the way the boys played," he said after the game. "They showed a great deal of commitment."