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UNDER 21 CHAMPIONSHIP: Zsak urges Austria to finish job

/noticias.info/ Austria Under-21 coach Manfred Zsak is urging his players not to let up as they close in on a place in the play-offs for next year's UEFA European Championship in Sweden.

Senec draw
The runaway leaders in qualifying Group 7 are six points clear of their closest rivals Slovakia, having won four and drawn two of their six games to date. A goalless stalemate against the Slovaks in Pasching on Wednesday 26 March would put them in an unassailable position, given that the 1-1 draw secured in Senec last September then leaves Austria with a superior head-to-head record should the two teams finish level on points.

Senior call-ups
Zsak, however, is thinking only about winning. "We know a goalless draw will be enough, but I want my players to look for a win and nothing else," said the coach, who will be without several key figures after four eligible players - Veli Kavlak, Andreas Dober, Sebastian Prödl and Franz Schiemer - were called up to Josef Hickersberger's senior squad for a friendly against the Netherlands on the same evening.

Baumgartner ban
Zsak, though, remains confident he has enough cover. "It will not be a problem," he said. "This kind of thing has happened in the past and we've been able to deal with it." TSV 1860 München defender Julian Baumgartlinger is also missing due to suspension, although promising forwards Erwin Hoffer and Rubin Okotie are available.

Battling performance
The attacking pair are already making their mark in the Austrian Bundesliga with SK Rapid Wien and FK Austria Wien respectively, and have played important roles in the Austria Under-21s' bid to reach the play-offs in October. Yet according to Zsak, the team's greatest strength remains their collective spirit. "We are a strong unit, with every player fighting and giving his all for his team-mates," he declared. Another battling display in Pasching may see Austria clinch top spot in their group with a game to spare. notas_de_prensa_archivo