USA's FIFA U-20 Run Ends, Austria wins 2-1
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by SSreporters
Austria 2 USA 1 (AET): After trailing 1-0 on a cross by Freddy Adu (again), resulting in a Jozi Altidore header in the 12th minute, and sloppy passing, Austria somehow managed to pull out a 2-1 win over the US after extra time in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Quarterfinals. This is considered a stunning upset due to Austria's struggles throughout the tournament, while the USA had been consistently resilient. Austria's first goal came late in the 1st half when US goalkeeper Chris Seitz bobbled a long range shot by an Austrian player, then forward Rubin Okotie battled his way though two US defenders and fired a low shot which skimmed the turf under Seitz's arm and into the net to tie the game at 1-1.
In the 2nd half, both teams looked ... uh ... crappy for the first 20 minutes or so, with poor passing and possession problems. In addition, the referee had a field day (pardon the soft pun) issuing a dozen yellow cards, 7 to the US and 5 to Austria. Things started to open up in the 69th minute when Austrian forward Rubin Okotie's shot went past Seitz, but it was cleared off the goal line by defender Nathan Sturgis. The US was handily outplayed after the 1st half, and the only real serious challenge they could muster up was a long range shot from Michael Bradley, which forced the Austrian keeper to make a diving save. Coming into the game, many were questioning Austria's coach for not starting their star forward Irwin Hoffer in this crucial match, and he wasn't put in the game until the first period of extra time. Two minutes later, he was the hero. The Americans failed to clear a free kick, which had been a problem for them all day in rainy Toronto, causing the ball to deflect of Michael Bradley (which should've been a handball call, leading to a penalty kick), and Sebastian Proedl's shot was put in by Hoffer to win it for Austria in the 105th minute.
It only got worse as US defender Anthony Wallace was sent off after picking up a second yellow card in the second period of extra time. Austria created a few more exciting chances, including a breakaway run by Hoffer but the ball that hit the right post. Time finally expired and Austria celebrated the 2-1 victory for their first ever semi-final appearance at the U-20 level. This was truly a monumental achievement for the Austrians; they hadn't been in the U-20's since 1983, had never made it out of group stage, and were viewed as heavy underdogs by most fans and experts alike. In hindsight, the Americans who are known for their swagger may have underestimated the skills, resolve and discipline of the Austrians. Perhaps this is somewhat understandable since they had defeated highly favored Brazil and Uruguay. Their quest for the trophy was finally derailed by Austria, one of the lowest ranked teams in the tournament (on paper, of course). The Americans performed admirably and should hopefully learn a lot from this experience. To avoid similar meltdowns, they should focus on discipline and humility. Also, they failed to adapt to Austria's style of play.
Austria will next face the winner of the Spain vs. Czech Republic match (who are currently putting me to sleep) on Wednesday in Edmonton.
Congratulations Austria! The world will see you in Edmonton.
