Last eight first target for Ivanschitz

Andreas Ivanschitz told uefa.com "home advantage is a real advantage" as he looks to captain Austria to "at least the quarter-finals" at UEFA EURO 2008™.

'Even further'
On loan from FC Salzburg, the Panathinaikos FC midfielder wore the captain's armband for the first time in 2003 at age 19. Now 24, Ivanschitz has high expectations for the co-hosts at this summer's finals, saying: "We want to reach at least the quarter-finals – maybe we can go even further." He added: "This is the biggest footballing event that us players will ever experience, and we are so excited about it. It will be a great for us and for the thousands of fans."

Pressure on
Millions rather than thousands are sure to tune in on 8 June when Austria open their finals campaign with a game against Croatia at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna, but Ivanschitz feels that the burden of a nation's expectations is a motivating factor for his side. "The pressure is really big and the fans and media's expectations are really high, but home advantage is a real advantage," he explained. "That 12th man will help us – of that I am convinced."

Disconcerting results
Austria have had some disconcerting results in friendly games in the run-up to the finals, but a 3-0 home defeat against Germany – who they will also play in their final Group B game on 16 June – proved to be oddly encouraging, with Josef Hickersberger's side giving their neighbours a real challenge before conceding three times in the closing stages. For Ivanschitz, that was evidence that Austria have the potential to spring a surprise at the finals.

'Team ethic'
"If the team's form is good, anything is possible," he said. "The team ethic is what matters. Of course, we have to improve our play and become more confident with the ball and have more composure. If we can do that, we should be able to save our strength a bit more and challenge the other teams until the final whistle and not start to tire after 60 or 70 minutes like we have in previous games where we paid the price for our high tempo."

Old heads
It has been suggested that Austria would benefit from the inclusion of some old heads in the squad, with 38-year-old Ivica Vastic and 33-year-old Mario Haas both being touted for an international recall. "Vastic and Haas keep showing week after week that they are very good players," said Ivanschitz, adding: "In the end, it's a decision for Josef Hickersberger. The foundation of the squad is set, but there still could be a few surprises."