Advantage Austria as co-hosts clash

Austria recorded their second victory in five days as they defeated UEFA EURO 2008™ co-hosts Switzerland in an Innsbruck friendly.

Morale boost
Prior to Saturday's success against Liechtenstein, Austria had not won in five games in Josef Hickersberger's second spell as coach but goals from Roland Linz and Saniel Kuljic secured a morale-boosting triumph over Swiss opponents who have eclipsed their Alpine neighbours in recent few years.

Linz on the spot
While Switzerland coach Jakob Kuhn had to do without star striker Alexander Frei through injury, Austria welcomed back goalkeeper Jürgen Macho from suspension. The match got off to a slow start before the hosts took the initiative. They were rewarded when Switzerland left-back Ludovic Magnin pulled down Linz inside the area on 24 minutes. The Boavista FC forward recovered to take the strike himself and made no mistake with a clinical conversion.

Lead doubled
It was the first goal Switzerland had conceded in eight matches – including four games at the FIFA World Cup – and they shipped a second in the 36th minute. Kuljic, who celebrated his 29th birthday on Tuesday, had further reason to celebrate as he lobbed a header over keeper Diego Benaglio to double the Austria advantage.

Streller strike
It was all change at the interval with Kuhn making five alterations and adopting an attacking formation. Veteran defender Patrick Müller had already made way after injuring a shoulder. The positive approach paid dividends 20 minutes from time when Marco Streller touched in a low cross from Tranquillo Barnetta. However, the goal was only a consolation with Austria holding on for an impressive triumph. For Austria, it is a sign of resurgence, while Switzerland's defeat was their first in regulation play in 27 outings.