Austria got their World Cup preparations off to a great start as they beat Ghana 4-1 in Vienna. Ralf Rangnick’s side confirmed their spot at the tournament back in November, and kicked off their pre-tournament exhibitions against a Ghana side who failed to qualify for December’s AFCON, and they ran riot in front of their home fans. They were on top throughout a tightly contested first-half, but the breakthrough came from the spot.
Kevin Danso headed into Jonas Adjetey arms from close range, and Marcel Sabitzer converted from 12 yards after the referee pointed to the spot. That goal was the only difference come half-time, but Austria ran riot when they reemerged. Goals from Michael Gregoritsch and Stefan Posch put the result beyond doubt, before Jordan Ayew secured some consolation with a well-hit solo effort, but even that was matched as Nicolas Seiwald hit an even more impressive fifth from range for the hosts.
There were several debutants on the night, but Carney Chukwuemeka stole the show as he marked his with the fourth goal of the night. Catch up with the action as it happened below with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog, complete with expert insight and analysis.
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FULL-TIME! Austria 5-1 Ghana
That does it! A comfortable win for Austria in Vienna. Lots of questions to answer for Ghana, though.
GOAL! Austria 5-1 Ghana | Seiwald 90+2'
What a hit from Seiwald to make it five for Austria! He latches onto a loose ball at the edge of the area and curls it first time into the bottom-right corner.
Austria 4-1 Ghana
90mins: Three added minutes here.
Austria 4-1 Ghana
86mins: Three more changes for Ghana as Partey, Semenyo and Ayew are replaced by Owusu, Bonsu Bah and Sulemana.
Austria 4-1 Ghana
86mins: Ati-Zigi gets down quickly to poke Kalajdzic’s shot wide.
Austria 4-1 Ghana
82mins: Two more Austria changes as Affengruber and Kalajdzic replace Sabitzer and Posch.
GOAL! Austria 4-1 Ghana | Chukwuemeka '79
A really well-worked move from Austria ends with the debutant Chukwuemeka slamming one into the roof of the net. What a moment for the former Northampton Town youngster!
GOAL! Austria 3-1 Ghana | Ayew '77
Ayew pulls one back in some style! He goes alone, cuts into the box and leathers one beyond Wiegele. Superb finish.
Austria 3-0 Ghana
74mins: Semenyo is down with a knock here. Caught a hand in the face from Posch, who is booked for the role he played in the incident.
Austria 3-0 Ghana
71mins: Ah, one more. Senaya is on in place of Yirenkyi, whose error set up the third.