U17 success boosts Austrian game

Spanish test 
After opening their campaign with a 1-0 win against Hungary, the Austrians put up a great fight against the Portuguese before succumbing 1-0. That set up a Sunday showdown against Denmark in Nelas which Ernst Weber's side simply had to win to maintain their interest in the competition. Goals from substitutes Patrick Mayer and Daniel Horvath duly secured a 2-0 victory and booked a semi-final meeting with Group B winners Spain. After the game uefa.com caught up with coach Weber.

uefa.com: What was your initial reaction to your side's victory against Denmark?

Ernst Weber: I'm delighted of course. It was a very tough game for us, the third game in five days. It was hard for both sides but I think it was fair that Austria went through to the semi-finals. We did more for the win.

uefa.com: How did you assess your side's performance and the performance of Denmark?

Weber: After the first goal they tried to score and we had a bit of luck. But then the second goal went in - it was a dream come true.

uefa.com: What was your reasoning behind changing your team by dropping Mayer and Horvath?

Weber: The decision concerning the lineup was right. The two players who were on the bench and came on in the second half didn't play well in the first two games. The two who came in (to the starting eleven) today played well, then we changed it at half-time and the two who came on scored - which is a good feeling. A good move by the coach!

uefa.com: What is your view of Spain, your opponents in the semi-final?

Weber: Spain are the second big favourites to win the tournament along with Portugual. They are also favourites (to beat Austria) - we have three players (Mayer, Andreas Shicker and Andreas Dober) with two yellow cards and it will be difficult for us to replace them. But it was a big success to reach the semi-finals, it's a new game, it starts at 0-0 and we'll try to win.

uefa.com: How much of a boost is your side's success to Austrian football?

Weber: It is a big success to have reached the semi-finals along with Portugal, Spain and another big nation (England) Interest is very high in Austria. I think it will act as a big motivation to everyone who is working in Austrian football. We are co-hosting EURO 2008 (with Switzerland) and I hope some players from this team will play in that.