Austria momentum augurs well

Austria coach Paul Gludovatz is riding the crest of a wave of confidence as he prepares his side for only their second UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals with high objectives.

Global target
Having finished second to title-holders France in their qualifying group thanks, in no small part, to an 8-0 drubbing of San Marino, Austria stepped up the tempo in the Elite round. Victories against Slovenia, Hungary and Russia secured a place in Poland and after conceding a solitary goal during those tense matches Gludovatz, who also guided the team to the 2003 finals, has high expectations, stating: "We want to finish at least third in our group to qualify for next year's FIFA U-20 World Cup."

Methodical approach
But he is taking one step at a time, starting with a tight-looking section which includes hosts Poland, the Czech Republic and a consistent Belgium side. "We are going to approach the group in stages," Gludovatz continued. "We're playing three group games so we'll have six halves, six parts. We can't make the second step until we've taken the first." That methodical approach has brought success so far and although the coach refuses to highlight individuals, his is a rich crop of youngsters.

Individual effort
SK Rapid Wien's Veli Kavlak has drawn scouts from the length and breadth of Europe to see him in action, including AC Milan, and forms a formidable midfield partnership with Martin Harnik of German outfit Werder Bremen. In attack, Austria will likely line up with Erwin Höller and Rafael Okotie, the latter having sealed progress with a solitary strike against Hungary. Gludovatz, however, insists the hero could come from anywhere: "It's their form on the day that matters so I'm reluctant to single players out."