Czech double lifts Austria
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Article summary
Legia Warszawa 1-3 FK Austria Wien (agg: 1-4) Stepán Vachoušek and Libor Sionko score in Austria win.
Article body
By Maciej Iwanski at the Wojska Polskiego stadium
Goals by Czech stars Stepán Vachoušek and Libor Sionko helped FK Austria Wien to a comfortable 3-1 victory over Legia Warszawa at the Wojska Polskiego stadium in Warsaw, completing a 4-1 UEFA Cup first-round aggregate success that earns the Austrian side a place in the group stage of the competition.
Poor passing
Austria were solid and effective throughout and Legia never looked like overturning their one-goal first-leg deficit. They struggled to get their passing game going, with their new pitch surface perhaps a factor, and consequently were unable to create any meaningful chances.
Vachoušek strike
Austria easily withstood Legia's early endeavours and carved out a chance of their own when Ivica Vastic seized on a defensive error but his subsequent shot was saved. However, the visiting side did not have to wait long for the opening goal. Vachoušek pounced on a poor defensive header after 32 minutes and struck a superb shot past the goalkeeper from outside the box.
Own goal
Legia had an immediate chance to get back in the tie but Marek Saganowski's effort was saved by Joseph Didulica when the striker should have scored. Critically, Austria went on to double their lead within minutes. Vachoušek sent over a dangerous cross from the right and the flight of the ball was misjudged by defender Mirko Poledica at the far post, with the ball deflecting off him for a bizarre own goal.
Smolinski consolation
The visitors had chances to add further to their lead but Sionko and Vachoušek were both denied by Artur Boruc, and Legia restored a faint glimmer of hope when recent teenage signing Marcin Smolinski, on as a substitute, scored with a fine first-time shot six minutes from time.
Sionko seals it
However, Austria struck back to make sure of their victory in the final minute with star player Sionko getting the goal his performance deserved. Boruc threw the ball straight to the former AC Sparta Praha player and Sionko reacted smartly to send a perfect lob over the crestfallen goalkeeper.
