Austria defeat brave Liechtenstein

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VADUZ, Liechtenstein -- Euro 2008 co-hosts Austria celebrated their first victory of the year on Friday -- but only after coming from behind to put two late substitute goals past tiny Liechtenstein.

With just 13 minutes of Friday's match remaining, the Austrians had seemed on course for an embarrassing defeat following a goal from Liechtenstein captain Mario Frick in the 69th minute.

The 32-year-old Siena striker, one of only six professionals in the Liechtenstein team, slammed the ball into the net following a corner to register his country's first ever goal against their neighbors.

Under-fire Austrian coach Josef Hickersberger found a response, however, with two successful substitutions helping to turn the match around.

Napoli's 22-year-old defensive midfielder Gyorgy Garics was the first to strike, putting the visitors level with a neat finish in the 77th minute -- just two minutes after making his international debut.

Midfielder Thomas Prager then grabbed an unlikely winner in the 84th minute -- just three minutes after stepping on to the pitch -- when the 21-year-old's long-range free-kick missed his team-mates but somehow still ended up in the back of the net.

"The team reacted well and pressed forward in the last half hour to help us avoid what would have been a catastrophe," said Hickersberger after celebrating his first win since starting his second spell in charge of the national side in January.

"It was a difficult game because of all the psychological pressure on the team, with everyone asking what would happen if we lost. But we are a young team and I keep telling people it will take time."

Austria, who had just one draw and four defeats to show from their previous five outings, are expected to face a tougher challenge on Wednesday when they take on their Euro 2008 co-hosts Switzerland in a friendly match in Innsbruck.

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