Hoffer heightens Austrian hopes

Two-goal lead
Austria were quickly into their stride in the Romanian capital and led 2-0 inside the first eleven minutes, as defender Thomas Schäfer opened the scoring in the fourth minute with an 18-metre free-kick before Hoffer doubled the lead from close range seven minutes later.

Finnish fightback
However, Finland fought back strongly with Tuomo Tumunen halving the deficit in the 20th minute, and it was 2-2 15 minutes after half-time thanks to Roma Eremento.

Hoffer high
Parity lasted only eleven minutes, however, as Hoffer's second goal of the match restored Austria's advantage and Paul Gludovatz's side held on for the win. "Yes, I won the match but I could not have done it without the balls supplied for me by my team-mates," said goalscoring hero Hoffer.

Liekoski comments
Finland coach Timo Liekoski added: "Hoffer made the difference. Some of my players did not play as expected and now we have to win both matches and Austria must not win theirs."

Next matches
With Romania and Moldova drawing 2-2 in the other game in the section, the Austrians are the early pacesetters and go into Wednesday's match with the hosts in good heart, while Finland will be seeking to bounce back against Moldova the same day.