Victory in Latvia: Austria celebrates a successful start

Austria started in Jurmala – the grass in the Liepaja stadium was not playable after a rock concert – pleasantly. Captain Fischer missed the first chance with his head (11th). But then the guests realized that Liepaja is a very physical team. And Austria actually took a bit of a beating. When Oloko didn’t catch the ball properly in the penalty area, the Violets were lucky (19th), a little later keeper Sahin-Radlinger had to stretch for the first time when the home team took a long-range shot (21st).

But Austria found the game better again and was now evenly matched. Until Eggestein picked up the ball for a free kick after half an hour. Fischer put his cross back with his head – and Wustinger hit the crossbar in a remarkable way (31st). For the 23-year-old it was the first goal for the Austria professionals. “I just hit it out of rotation,” he later analyzed.

And there is probably no one who doesn’t begrudge him this goal. Wustinger only celebrated his comeback at the end of last season – after his third (!) cruciate ligament tear. The left knee was affected in 2022 and 2023, followed by the right in 2025. With strong preparation, he has now made it into the starting eleven straight away. And coach Helm immediately repaid his trust.

However, the game remained open. Austria repeatedly made life difficult for itself before the break with bad passes in the build-up to the game. Nevertheless, Eggestein had a chance to make it 2-0, but narrowly missed (44′).

The returner scores

After the break, Coach Helm brought in Dragovic as well Returning catfish. He wants to assert himself with the Violets after his loan spell in Tyrol. And it immediately provided a good argument. After an attack on the right side, he coolly converted to make it 2-0 (55th). It was also his first goal for the Austria professionals.

The game was evenly balanced for long stretches, but Austria presented itself more efficiently. Schablas even had a great chance to make it 3-0, but his shot was unfortunately blocked by his teammate Hettwer (74th).

“Basically, we have put ourselves in a good starting position,” said Trainer Helm. However, he was not completely satisfied: “It was a step in the right direction, but we will still put our finger on the wound on one thing or another because it will continue in three days.” On Sunday, Austria has to go to the Vienna Sports Club in the ÖFB Cup.