Austria suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat by Romanian Astra in the fifth round of the group stage of Europe League. Defeat from a "gifted" penalty at the finish of the match cos further complications for the violets to reach KO stage.
After a boring first 45 minutes, the match in the second half got a different way. The hosts came to advantage by Rotpuller who taped in from close range. Instead bringing to an end Fink`s man lost control at the match. The decisive moment came after 65 minutes when captain Grunwald, unnecessarily received a second yellow card and got send off.
Visitors then moved on an opponent half and began to put pressure at Hadzikic`s goal. Answer on that pressure was the goal from Florea in 77 minute, after an excellent combination of the team.
Current draw and AS Roma lead against Plzen, would boost chances for the home side to progress to next round. But then came the Polish referee into the game, whistling a dubious penalty for away side. Badescu coolly converted the penalty that secures big away win for the Romanian team.
In the last round will play Plzen - Austria, Astra - Roma.
Sumudica: It was the best night and win in my coaching carrier. After West Ham we've managed to beat another big European team. Grunwald's red was the turning point of the game. 11 vs 11 I don't think that we would manage to turn things around
Fink : We're still not out. There's one more game to be played on. That wasn't penalty at all. I didn't talk to the Ref, talking after the game won't bring anything. We gave everything, we showed that we would like to win. We're very close but...We have to stay positive and look forward.
photo www.fak.at
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