Iberians to tip the scales

Austria’s youth teams battle Spain for European Championship tickets

(Bild: GEPA pictures/ Armin Rauthner)

(Bild: urbantschitsch mario)

(Bild: GEPA pictures/ Michael Meindl)

The red-white-red youth teams are still in the race for tickets to the European Championship. On the final matchday, the U17s and U19s will both face Spain in the qualifiers. While coach Martin Scherb's squad will take on the Iberians in Neustadt, the U19s are condemned to victory in Slovenia. 

We didn't reward ourselves," said coach Martin Scherb, looking back on his U17 youngsters' bitter last-minute 2:2 draw against Norway in the European Championship qualifiers. This means that Austria, who have four points to their name, will have to tremble. As a reminder: The group leaders are guaranteed a place at the EURO in Cyprus, as are seven of the eight best group runners-up.

The U17s are hoping for the support of the fans in Neustadt(Bild: urbantschitsch mario)

"We're not going to get involved in any calculation games, everything is in our own hands," Scherb tells his talents ahead of the conclusion of the elite round tournament on Tuesday (17) in Wr. Neustadt against Spain. The leaders are clear favorites, having recently crushed Slovenia 5:0. "We'll go all out against them, we're not afraid," says Scherb, who believes his team are ready for the "final dance".

U19 coach Oliver Lederer hopes for a great moment against Spain(Bild: GEPA pictures/ Michael Meindl)

La Furia Roja will also tip the scales for Northern Ireland's European Championship ticket for the U19s. Although the starting position is somewhat different. In the U19s, only those teams who finish first in their group qualify for the European Championship. This means that Austria is doomed to win against the Iberians on Tuesday (12 noon) in Gorna Radgona (Slo) and must also hope that Kosovo slips up against Slovenia. "If it says Spain on the outside, it's Spain on the inside," warns coach Oliver Lederer. "They are extremely good and are one of the absolute top nations. However, we want to put our stamp on the game - then we'll see what we get in return in the end ..."