Euro 2008 - Austrian keepers urged to follow Kahn's lead  

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Emanuel Pogatetz Wallpaper


Stegersbach, Austria, - an unfortunate Austria goalkeeper who discovers, on Wednesday he has not made the number one spot Euro 2008 should learn from Germany's Oliver Kahn, Austria coach Josef Hickersberger said on Tuesday.

Hickersberger will tell whether Alexander Manninger, or Juergen macho they are his first choice 'keeper after the suspension of what he called his "gut decision just three days before the tournament kick-off on Saturday.

"The other goalie should be taken into Oliver Kahn as an example," the coach told the news conference to set up a team Stegersbach, recalling the fight against the German goalie spot in 2006, when Germany hosts the World Cup.

"Two years ago, [Kahn] humanity became much more to the fore because of how he behaved after hearing from Jürgen Klinsmann, that Jens Lehmann would be the number one," he added.

Manninger and the macho was tested in Austria's friendlies against Nigeria and Malta last week, which led to a 1-1 draw with the African side and a 5-1 win Malta.

60-year-old coach has consistently tight-lipped on his thinking up to the tournament and waited until the deadline, which last week before to reduce his squad 31-23 in the appropriate manner.

Martin Harnik, a surprise inclusion in the squad, told journalists on Tuesday, he had difficulty in gaining access to his stride, when he came to, as a substitute against Malta. But he left to Score-extra-time, a huge boost to his confidence, he said.

20-year old who may be forward or midfield, and has even been used in the defence of club football, said he would prefer to be playing for attack.

In the meantime, the defender Emanuel Pogatetz missed training on Tuesday due to light calf injury, but Hickersberger said he expects him to make a rapid recovery and to join in Wednesday's training.

Austria to begin a campaign Sunday in Vienna against Croatia in Group B. Germany and Poland complete the group.

Euro 2008 co-hosts are ranked 101st, that the World, well below any other rival groups.

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