Mattersburg stun GAK
Wednesday, April 9, 2003
Article summary
Austrian Cup holders Grazer AK were eliminated by Second Division SV Mattersburg in the quarter-finals.
Article body
Mörz magic
A goal from former GAK striker Michale Mörz gave Mattersburg an unlikely 1-0 victory on a night of frustration for the favourites. Mörz struck on 20 minutes and the visitors' chances of a reprieve diminished when defender René Aufhauser was sent off early in the second half. Previously unbeaten in 2003 and lying third in the Bundesliga, GAK had chances to equalise but Mattersburg held on to progress to the last four for the first time in 23 years.
Kärnten comeback
Mattersburg now travel to face FC Kärnten, who eliminated SV Ried 3-1. Günter Steininger put home side Ried ahead on 42 minutes, but Marijo Maric levelled just before the break and three minutes after the restart, Thomas Ambrosius gave the visitors the lead. Victory was confirmed by Stanko Bubalo two minutes from the end.
Austria double hopes alive
Meanwhile, Bundesliga leaders FK Austria Wien will visit SV Austria Salzburg in the other semi-final. Austria, 22-time cup winners, overcame SK Sturm Graz 1-0 at home. Vladimir Janocko registered a minute before half-time to complete a miserable round for the two Graz clubs who contested last year's final.
Salzburg progress
Meanwhile, Salzburg prevailed 2-0 at Second Division side FK Wattens. Heimo Pfeifenberger opened the scoring on 31 minutes, and Heiko Laessig added a second eight minutes later to ensure Salzburg kept their hopes of a fifth final - and first cup win - alive. Both semi-finals are scheduled for 13 May.
