Austria knocked out of Cup on penalties in Uhlig's debut

In the round of 16 of the UNIQA-ÖFB-Cup, Wiener Austria loses 4:6 on penalties against TSV Hartberg.

In Neo-coach Maximilian Uhlig's debut as head coach, the "Veilchen" showed themselves to be the more active and courageous team in the early stages.

In the first 20 minutes, almost exclusively the home team played. However, Hartberg had the first big chance. Hartberg goalkeeper Maric hit a long ball, and Hoffmann was through. Alone in front of Kos, he pushed the ball wide left of the goal (18.).

Eggestein scores for Austria

Austria had many offensive actions and corners in the first half-hour. The first one that became dangerous also led to the opening goal. The Styrians cleared the corner, Müller made it dangerous again and set up Eggestein at the far post. The striker didn't miss the chance, making it 1-0 (27.).

Subsequently, the game shifted. Hartberg became more active, while Austria was pushed back defensively. Offensively, the Viennese team was virtually nonexistent, and the Styrians increasingly entered the attacking third.

So, it happened as it had to. Shortly before halftime, Lukic and Hoffmann played a beautiful one-two that bypassed the entire Austria defense. It was then easy for Lukic to beat Kos in goal and equalize at 1-1 (44.).

Scrappy second half

In the second half, the game was very contested. Both teams often appeared uncertain in build-up play. Many misplaced passes and wrong runs were not uncommon.

Markovic had the biggest chance to decide the game. After a ball win by Dragovic, Eggestein set up the ÖFB national team player in the penalty area, but he missed from around ten meters (73.). Because Wustinger (75.) and Müller (84.) also failed to put the ball in the net, it remained 1-1 after 90 minutes. The decision had to come in extra time.

Not after 90, not after 120 minutes...

In the first half of extra time, Austria was closer to scoring than Hartberg. Hettwer had the best chance, hitting only the top of the crossbar with his shot from the edge of the box (99.). In return, Hartberg player Feldhofer narrowly missed the far corner (100.).

After the final change of ends, Markus missed the best chance for the East Styrians (113.), while Boateng also failed to convert an almost 100 percent chance for the "Veilchen". After 120 minutes, it was still 1-1, so a penalty shootout was needed.

Wustinger, Nnodim, and Taeseok Lee scored for Austria, while Markus, Karner, Urrutia, Diarra, and Spendlhofer were successful for Hartberg. Because Hartberg goalkeeper Maric saved Müller's attempt, the East Styrians won 6-4 on penalties and advanced to the quarterfinals of the ÖFB-Cup.