FC Wacker Innsbruck 0-1 FC Red Bull Salzburg Women (H/T:0-0). Goal: Grabovac (64′)
The Wacker Innsbruck defence held firm against our pressure for a long time in the ÖFB Women’s Cup Round of 16, but we finally found a way through. Sara Grabovac, set up perfectly by Vina Crnoja, netted the winner for our FC Red Bull Salzburg women, meaning that Pavlovic’s team, after reaching the semi-finals as Bergheim last season, will once again remain in the cup in the spring.
The expectations were clear ahead of a game we went into as favourites. Tina Krassnig was responsible for the first two attacks on her first start for us while her team-mates took charge and tried to find gaps in the Innsbruck defence, as the home side looked to counter-attack. That set the tone for the rest of the first half, with our team enjoying the majority of the chances. Greta Spinn, Vina Crnoja, and Tina Krassnig that trio were all eager to finish, but lacked a bit of composure in front of goal in the first period.
Instead, centre-back Aldina Hamzic came closest to scoring, unleashing a powerful shot from about 30 metres out that rattled the post a wonderful effort.
With the wind picking up after the restart, Pavlovic’s side did better in front of goal. Crnoja first curled a shot, then tested goalkeeper Gabriel with a free kick, Hamzic poked it on
and Sara Grabovac scored! The midfield dynamo received a chip from Crnoja, found herself one-on-one with Gabriel, and beat her with the inside of her foot bringing sheer relief after the constant pressure (64′). Just moments later, our Salzburg team came close to sealing the victory. As two promising free kicks from the wing came to nothing, we had to see out the final period.
We didn’t have to fret too much, however. Although Emelie Kobler missed a chance to double our lead with a header, the second-division side failed to mount a late attacking salvo of any note. With this hard-fought 1-0 victory, we have qualified for the Austrian Women’s Cup quarter-finals, which will take place on 14 or 15 February! The draw will be held on 23 November at 19:15 CET during ORF’s Bundesliga coverage.
Dusan Pavlovic
FC Red Bull Salzburg Women: Fischer L. Spinn, Hamzic, Krinzinger (85. Schirmbrand), Orkic © Grabovac, G. Spinn, DAngelo (76. Gierzinger), Illinger (62. Grünwald) Crnoja (85. Akrap), Krassnig (62. Kobler)
FC Wacker Innsbruck: Gabriel Zass (75. Fitoussi-Hoffmann), Rauchberger, Hochmuth ©, Schwaninger Weißkirchen, Anfang, Hays (87. Walder) Gstrein (46. Eckert), Gojcaj (67. Riedl), Makungu
Makungu (34./Foul) – Hamzic (72./Foul)
250
Anton Bernecker