Beichler seeks to draw on U20 spirit

Daniel Beichler is drawing motivation from Austria's success at the FIFA U-20 World Cup and his own club experience as he attempts to lead the hosts into the semi-finals of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.

'Super feeling'
Beichler scored Austria's only goal of the tournament on Matchday 2, a 61st-minute penalty against Greece that earned a 1-1 draw and preserved their chances of advancing to the last four. To progress Austria must overcome Portugal in Ried in their last Group A fixture on Saturday while hoping Spain defeat Greece in Linz, but Beichler is just happy the hosts are still involved. "It was important we had at least a small chance [against Portugal], and we hope to use it," said the 18-year-old midfielder. "It was a super feeling to score in front of 8,000 fans in your home country, although in the end it doesn't matter who gets the goal."

U20 motivation
Austria's 2007 squad are hoping to follow in the footsteps of last year's team, who also reached the semi-finals and have since progressed to the last four at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada, and with a third-placed play-off against Chile to come Beichler believes their fine run has been an inspiration for their successors in the U19 side. "For me of course it's been a motivation; you see what a small nation like ours can accomplish and the chance is still there to get third place, which would be a huge success for Austrian football. It's an inspiration to see their team spirit, it's a model for us. We need the same against Portugal."

'Child to man'
Now back at SK Sturm Graz, Beicher is one of the most experienced members of the Austrian squad having spent the past six months in Italy with Reggina Calcio, a period that proved invaluable, according to Hermann Stadler. "Daniel developed immensely, especially his personality; he went from a child to a man," said his U19 coach. The player realises the role he has to play too. "It's important for me to pass on my experiences to some of these guys," he said. "Last season was an enormous experience which I will never forget. It was very important for me personally, and not just on the pitch. You can talk about things others don't necessarily know and give a tip here or there - but we still have to remember we are a team."