International
2008-02-06 - Austria vs Germany
A Sports Betting Pick by Mike
International Friendly
Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna
Wednesday 6th February, Kickoff 19:45 GMT
Austria Hosts Next-Door Neighbours for Key Euro 2008 Tune-Up
On Wednesday night Austria face tournament favourites, and neighbours, Germany, in a key warm-up game.
This is one of four remaining games that Austria coach, Josef Hickersberger, has to try to build the confidence of his much maligned team.
Hickersberger has stuck to a policy of relying on youth rather than experience, but young Austrian talent is very thin on the ground.
At least he has buried the hatchet with Middlesbrough defender, Emanuel Pogatetz, who is one Austria’s most recognised and experienced players.
By comparison, German coach, Joachim Low, has an embarrassment of riches in a squad that is widely tipped to go all the way to the final in Vienna on June 29th.
Michael Ballack is recovered from injury and showing excellent form with Chelsea, while the home based players should be fresh having recently returned from their six week winter break.
The Austrians should be lifted by fervent home support against their rivals, but history, favours the Germans who have recorded emphatic wins in the last three meetings amounting to an aggregate score of 14-4.
Germany qualified for Euro 2008 as easy winners of Group A, while Austria have won just one of their last twelve games, despite facing modest opposition.
PREVIOUS MATCHUPS
18-08-2004 Austria 1-3 Germany
18-05-2002 Germany 6-2 Austria
The Pick :
Austria 0-1 Germany
