Austria out of the running after Turkey tie

Austria's chances of reaching UEFA EURO 2012 have evaporated following a 0-0 draw at home against Turkey in Group A, with Arda Turan missing a late penalty for the visitors.

Fielding a makeshift midfield in the absence of Emre Belözoğlü and the suspended Selçuk İnan, Turkey will be pleased enough with the result, which keeps them two points clear of third-ranked Belgium in the race for the runners-up slot, but the writing is on the wall for Austria, who needed to win to keep their hopes of a finals place alive.

A lively opening period saw the hosts cause Turkey problems on the counterattack, Marko Arnautović looking dangerous as Christian Fuchs and David Alaba provided industry down the left. Turkey settle, though, and Arda, Umut Bulut and Burak Yılmaz had the best efforts of the first half.

Arnautović tested Volkan Demirel with a long-range late in the first half, but the SV Werder Bremen striker was again denied. Umut then dragged the ball wide after Arda had forced a save from debutant keeper Pascal Grünwald, and Burak headed Sabri Sarioğlu's inviting cross just wide with Grünwald beaten.

Play intensified 20 minutes from the end. Burak's header skimmed off the bar after another telling delivery from Sabri, and moments later Arnautović saw Volkan block a close-range effort with his legs, before a Selçuk Şahin piledriver flashed just off target at the other end. Martin Harnik had a goal chalked off for offside, before Grünwald fouled Burak to concede a penalty. Grünwald made amends by saving the spot-kick from Arda, who then headed the resulting corner against a post.

Turkey take on Germany in their next game on 7 October, with Austria visiting Azerbaijan the same day.