Do or Die

In the earlier match, the Croatians turned Euro 2008 (and the Germans) on its head with a 2-1 upset over the heavy favorites. The second game is between the first day losers Austria and Poland with the loser of this match booking an early trip home. A draw would keep both alive but they would have a lot to do. I'd like to see the Austrian squad at least score for their fans (and the lucky scorer will earn a lifetime of free beer!)

Group B- Game 4
Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna

Poland comes out in all white while the Austrians come out in all red. Its hard to differentiate the fans in the stadium as everyone is donning red and white. Either way, the crowd seems ready to back their respective country in this match that is essentially an elimination game.

A graphic flashes across the screen that both Austria and Poland are looking for their first win and first goal ever in the Euro competition. Theres not a whole lot to differentiate the two sides and I think that Austria can use their home advantage to see this one out and live to fight another die.
NB: I am going to butcher the Polish names.

1 min- Poland kicks off and gets the game under way

4 min- The Austrians really look up for this game as the midfield is intense and looking to dictate the pace of play.

6 min- Ivanschitz fires a warning shot wide of the Polish goal. He will definitely give Artur Boruc something to worry about today.

11 min- Harnik misses a fantastic opportunity to open their account as he sneaks in to steal a Polish back pass and fails to beat Boruc one-on-one.

20 min- Krzynowek blasts a shot well wide of the Austrian net...first "shot" by Poland thus far.

22 min- Garics gets the ball on the right side of the Polish 18 but Boruc comes out and stops Garics from doing anything constructive

24 min- Austria are just laying siege to the Polish net, but you have to wonder if they are susceptible to a counter attack.

27 min- I get my first reminder that the Celtics will be looking to bounce back against the Lakers tonight. I think its funny to hear a bunch of British guys try to talk about basketball.

30 min- GOAL!! After withstanding heavy pressure, its the Poles who strike first. Saganowski has a shot deflected right into the path of Roger Guerreiro who just taps it home.

31 min- The Austrians must be absolutely deflated that they conceded a soft goal after dominating the first half hour.

35 min- Krzynowek is afforded acres of space and tests his luck again but sends the ball over.

38 min- Again Krzynowek has a go and this time its on target, but Macho has no trouble with it.

44 min- Austria free kick, Ivanschitz sends it in but cleared with ease

45 min- Hicklesperger's team awarded another free kick at the right edge, Ivanschitz takes it..foul against Austria

HALF TIME- Austrian must be bemoaning their luck to be down once again at the half. Poland will look to concentrate more defensively in the second half and ensure that the lead remains theirs at the full time whistle.

54 min- In the words of Peter Brackley, this really has turned into a ding-dong battle as both teams are gung-ho for goal.

59 min- Its beginning to turn into a role reversal as the Poles are looking to put the game beyond all doubt in a dominating fashion right now.

62 min- Roger Guerreiro has been extremely lively this half and his dribbling has been a joy to watch

64 min- Macho made two fantastic saves off of a Polish corner to give his team a fighting chance. Ivica Vastic, the oldest player in the tournament on for Ivanschitz and Kienast on for Linz.

66 min- Saganowski goes off in pain, gets the magic spray and returns....what is that stuff??

67 min- foul on Krzynowek gives him a chance to tee off and does he ever..he sends a blast at the net that Macho tips over the bar..corner short but nothing comes of it

71 min- Golanski crosses a ball into the box for Smolarek but he cant get anything on it.

74 min- Aufhauser off for Saeumel

76 min- Vastic sends a free kick into orbit...what a waste

81 min- Austria is really struggling to crack the Polish defense, no one wants to take control and equalize for Austria.

84 min- Harnik does well to win a corner, but Proedl can put it on target

85 min- Guerreiro comes off for murawski

90 min- Poland just need to hold onto possession to see this one through. 3 minutes added on.

92 min- PENALTY!! Legawandowski called for pulling down Proedl

93 min- Vastic steps up...GOAL!!!! Vastic, the elder statesman sends the whole nation into raptures! Not only that but he's earned himself free beer for the rest of his life!

94 min- Krzynowek blazes a late corner over the bar

Full Time Austria 1-1 Poland

Austria pulls out a last gasp equalizer to thrill the home fans...There was a question offside on the first goal so perhaps this was a moment of poetic justice for the hardworking Austrians. Poland probably feel hard done by, but at the end of the day, it was probably a fair finish. Austria must realize that they must take advantage of any chance given to them or be on the wrong side of a result. Croatia will top Group B while Poland, Germany and even the Austrians will fight for the second berth into the knockout stage on Monday. Fantastic stuff.

Table

Croatia 6 pts +2
Germany 3 pts +1
Austria 1 pt -1
Poland 1 pt -2