FRANCE 98 – Italy-Austria – H. Prohaska: “The Austria team fought well and showed they belonged in the tournament”

AUSTRIA team coach, Herbert PROHASKA commented:

“In both halves AUSTRIA tried to keep attacking and keep on hoping but the ITALY team defended well and was happy to counter-attack. I would like to see the goals again particularly because I didn’t think there was a foul for the first and my players felt there was no foul on the second. Regarding the substitution of Anton POLSTER (19) I simply wanted to inject some fresh energy into the team and I was not dissatisfied with the players who came off.  The AUSTRIA team fought well and showed they belonged in the tournament. Obviously the feeling now is one of disappointment that we shall be going home, because we were aiming to reach the last sixteen. ITALY play intelligently, defending and counter-attacked well. The AUSTRIA team had to take risks and play without a sweeper. We were short of luck and that can be fatal. Finally I wish the ITALY team the best of luck for the rest of the tournament.”