Vienna Earns a Point Against League Leaders
In the fourth round of the ADMIRAL Women’s Bundesliga, Vienna faced league leaders Sturm Graz. In stormy conditions, Vienna took the lead through Havel. The visitors equalised with a long-range effort. The match ended 1-1, allowing Vienna to secure a deserved point against the league leaders.
Kurkutovic creates the first dangerous moment
Both teams initially had to adapt to the difficult, slippery pitch conditions. The visitors controlled possession early on, but it was Vienna who created the first dangerous opportunity. In the 9th minute, Kurkutovic fired a shot towards goal, but Dübel was able to save the effort at the near post.
Even contest in extremely difficult conditions
As the match progressed, Vienna grew increasingly into the game, developing into an exciting, evenly matched contest. In the 24th minute, Breznik found herself through on goal, but fortunately for the Blue and Yellows, her shot struck the post. Shortly afterwards, a direct free-kick from Kurkutovic was cleared.
Vienna’s most dangerous chance came in the 29th minute. Havel won possession and unleashed a shot, but at the last moment, the Sturm defence managed to clear the ball off the line.
As the heavy rain and strong winds continued, the referee sent both teams into the dressing rooms with the score still 0-0.
Havel puts Vienna 1-0 up
The second half got off to a perfect start for Vienna. Havel received the ball near the touchline and wasted no time, taking a shot from a long distance and finding the back of the net to put Vienna ahead.
After conceding, the visitors became more active going forward, although they initially struggled to create clear-cut chances. It was not until the 55th minute that a corner from the Graz side struck the post.
In the 63rd minute, Vienna made its first substitution, with Brunmair coming on for Cavic.
Sturm Graz equalise
The visitors found the equaliser in the 73rd minute. Following a clearance attempt by Vienna, Pavlovic picked up the ball on the edge of the penalty area and fired a shot. Her effort flew into the top corner, giving Grabenhofer no chance.
Vienna responded with a double substitution, with Milanovic and Heiplik replacing Wasser and Fankhauser.
Grabenhofer secures the point
The match remained exciting right up until the final whistle, with both teams looking for the decisive winner. In the 81st minute, Grabenhofer produced a strong save to keep out a corner. Shortly afterwards, Brigitta Pulins had a great chance from close range, but once again Grabenhofer was there to make the save.
For the closing stages, Denny Krcmarek brought on two fresh players, Mayer and Batarilo, who replaced Sarac and Kurkutovic.
Shortly before the final whistle, Grabenhofer produced another impressive save to deny the visitors from distance. In the final minute of stoppage time, Lena Mädl cleared the ball off the line to secure the point for Vienna. The match ended 1-1, meaning Vienna remain unbeaten this season.
First Vienna FC 1894 vs. SK Sturm Graz 1-1 (0-0)
ADMIRAL Women’s Bundesliga, Round 4
Friday, 21 August, 7:30 p.m.
Naturarena Hohe Warte, 157 spectators
Goals: 1-0 Havel (49'), 1-1 Pavlovic (73')
Vienna: Grabenhofer, Gebert, Mädl, Cavic (Brunmair 63'), Keckeis, Hahn, Sarac (Mayer 82'), Fankhauser (Milanovic 74'), Wasser (Heiplik 74'), Havel, Kurkutovic (Batarilo 82')
