Austrians ready to give Ireland hot reception in Vienna

Three months out from their home World Cup qualifier game against Ireland and the fervour is already building in Austria.

Proof, if it were needed, in the nation’s confidence of reaching Brazil came yesterday when it was announced that tickets has sold out for the qualifier on September 10.

Similar to Friday’s vital 2-1 win over Sweden, the Ernst Happel Stadium will be packed to a near-50,000 capacity when Giovanni Trapattoni’s Irish land in Vienna for a match integral to who clinches second spot in Group C.

Lest we not forget that, four days earlier, Ireland face off against the other contender for second spot, Sweden, in Dublin. Still, having speared a hole into the Swedes’ side by inflicting a first defeat of the campaign on them, the in-form Austrians will aim to deliver a body-blow to another challenger.

But by drawing first blood in the battle by beating the Swedes, Austria are now the team being “hunted, not hunting” according to winger Zlatko Junuzovic. The Werder Bremen attacker’s jaundiced view of Ireland’s prospects is perhaps natural, considering his memories of playing in Dublin.

With his team having taken an early lead and he dominant on right flank, his evening was halted on 24 minutes when James McCarthy’s tackle left him writhing in agony. Junuzovic even posted a picture of his stitched-up knee on his twitter account afterwards.

“We knew that the Irish were a physically strong team,” said the 25-year-old before offering a damning assessment of their style. “That they are so extremely focused on kick and rush did surprise me though.”

Whatever of its merits, Sweden’s Sebastian Larsson is well aware of Ireland’s tactics. The 28-year-old spent a decade in English football and played with enough Irishmen to realise what they bring to the international stage.

“People back in Sweden didn’t give enough Ireland credit before they played us in Stockholm,” said the winger.

“After we drew with them in March, Swedish fans were wondering why we didn’t win the game. When you look at the players in the Ireland team, though, you know it won’t be easy and they’ll fight until the end.”

While bemoaning their defeat in Vienna, Larsson admitted it heightens the importance on Sweden getting something from their visit to Dublin on September 6.

He said: “This result in Austria has blown the whole race for second wide open. We dominated Friday’s game and should never have lost but we’ve handed them and Ireland a way back.

“We should have had two penalties at the end. However, if the Austrians had severed us with an axe, the ref [Italian Gianluca Rocchi] would still not have given a penalty.

“I don’t think it’s a case of having to beat Ireland to be sure of second but it would certainly help.”