EURO 2008 - Austria: Co-hosts and Debutants

EURO titles: 0

As co-hosts of the EURO 2008 tournament, Austria are already under pressure, but to add to that pressure, they have to perform well since it is their first appearance in the European showpiece.

The Austrians went without a win in five matches since they beat Ivory Coast 3-2 in October 2007.

Yet Josef Hickersberger's team have the potential to impress if they can create a winning formula from the veteran players who will be supported by a number of young players like Martin Harnik, Erwin 'Jimmy' Hoffer and Sebastian Proedl.

Austria's impressive U-20 team that finished fourth in the World Cup finals in Canada last summer should provide an inspiration for the first team to take Europe by surprise.

History

Austria never made it to the European finals before but impressively showcased in the World Cup finals several times.

They finished fourth in the 1934 finals and won third place twenty years later. Their last World Cup appearance was in 1998.

Austria will always be remembered for their role in the 'non-aggression pact of Gijon' incident when they conspired with West Germany and lost 1-0 in their final group match to eliminate Algeria and reach the second round together.

As a result, FIFA stages all final group games simultaneously ever since.

Some of Austria's greatest players are: Hans Krankl, Bruno Pezzey, Toni Polster, Andreas Herzog and Alois Vogel.

Coach: Josef Hickersberger (Austrian)

Hickersberger enjoyed several successes as a player with FK Austria Wien before moving to the Bundesliga and playing with Offenbacher Kickers 1901 and Fortuna Dusseldorf.

He also played in the 1978 World Cup finals as part of the Austrian national team.

Hickersberger began his coaching career by taking charge of the Austria Under-21 side before taking command of the first team in 1988.

He helped Austria reach the 1990 World Cup finals and produced some decent results, but was sacked following an embarrassing 1-0 defeat to minnows Faroe Islands.

The 60-year-old manager became an Arabian legend as he coached the Bahrain national team and some of the Middle East's most prestigious clubs like Arab Contractors of Egypt and Al-Wasl of UAE.

Tactics

Hickersberger had only international friendlies to prepare for EURO 2008. During these matches he tested a big number of players and numerous formations including 4-4-2, 4-5-1, and even 3-5-2.

Sebastian Proedl, veteran Martin Stranzl and Emanuel Pogatetz have their place booked in the backline. Jurgen Macho and Alexander Manninger will be vying for the goalkeeper spot after first choice Helge Payer pulled out of the squad for health reasons.

In midfield, Hickersberger depends on experience rather than youth and veterans Ivica Vastic, Joachim Standfest and Rene Aufhauser are also guaranteed starting spots.

Austria have within their ranks some youthful and talented forwards like Bremen prodigy Martin Harnik, Roland Linz of Braga and young sensation Hoffer. Yet the team remains very goal-shy.