Austria to follow Germany's lead
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Article summary
Austria plans to draw on the success of the 2006 FIFA World Cup during UEFA EURO 2008™ after studying what lessons could be learned from the tournament.
Article body
Austria's Carinthia Football Federation hopes to draw on the success of the 2006 FIFA World Cup during UEFA EURO 2008™, after studying what lessons could be learned from the tournament at its annual coaching conference.
Discussion panel
Heinz Palme, Austria's chief co-ordinator for UEFA EURO 2008™, the technical director of the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) Willi Ruttensteiner, and former German Bundesliga coach Peter Neururer were among the speakers on a panel discussing the issue at the Casino Velden on Lake Wörther on the eve of the seminar.
'Spectacle'
"The World Cup last year showed it's not just about football, but is a spectacle with a much bigger meaning," said Palme, who was also involved in organising the World Cup and believes Austria and Switzerland have been presented with a unique opportunity. "We're well on course and want to have a great atmosphere here," he said. "Austria won't be able to put on something as big as Germany, but we will give our friends and guests warmer hospitality than has ever been seen here before."
Volunteers key
Volunteers will have a big role to play in Austria and will be crucial to the success of the competition. "The model from the 2006 World Cup is a showpiece and we want to implement that in Austria as well," Palme said. "Only that way can we guarantee a well-functioning event." According to Palme, more than 600,000 fans will attend UEFA EURO 2008™ games in Austria alone. Many more will follow events in the numerous fan zones across the nation.
Spur
Ruttensteiner, meanwhile, is adamant that UEFA EURO 2008™ will be a significant spur for football in the country. For the past few years the ÖFB has striven to develop young talent through a project called Challenge 2008 with an eye on UEFA EURO 2008™ and beyond. "The success in the youth area has proved us right," Ruttensteiner said. "We are already considered among the best in Europe. Now we have to bring our young players to the top internationally. I'm convinced the Austrian national team will also have success at UEFA EURO 2008™."
