Vastic's last-gasp penalty keeps Austria hopes alive

الجمعة، 13 يونيو 2008 - 00:09

كتب : Hatem Maher

Web's controversial decision in Austria-Poland match drew criticism

A last-gasp penalty by Ivica Vastic helped co-hosts Austria salvage a 1-1 draw with Poland in EURO 2008 to keep alive their hopes of going through to the next round.

Roger Guerreiro put Poland ahead against the run of play in the first half but a stoppage-time penalty from Croatian-born Vastic denied the Polish team.

The draw kept alive both sides' hopes of securing a place in the tournament's quarter-finals.

Austria and Poland have one point, two short of second-placed Germany, who suffered a stunning 2-1 defeat to Croatia earlier in the day.

Poland face already-qualified Croatia while Austria take on Germany in the last group stage game.

Austria should have opened the scoring on several occasions, but their efforts were denied by some heroic saves from Poland keeper Artur Boruc.

After 11 minutes, Austria striker Martin Harnik pounced on a loose ball and went clear on goal but shot was blocked by Boruc's legs.

Harnik had another glorious opportunity three minutes but once again Boruc smothered his close-range shot.

Boruc efforts were fruitful as Poland grabbed the lead in the 30th minute through a controversial strike from Guerreiro.

Marek Saganowski picked up a cross in the left hand side of the penalty area, cut inside his marker and fed Guerreiro for an easy tap in.

Television replays suggested that the Legia Warsaw forward was in an offside position when he notched home from four yards.

But Poland's hopes of claiming a precious victory were dashed deep into stoppage time.

Marcin Wasilewski clumsily brought down Sebastian Prodl inside the area as the referee pointed to the spot.

Vastic stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way and help Austria claim a precious draw.

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