LINZ, Austria – Austria maintained their perfect start to World Cup qualifying with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cyprus on Tuesday, extending their unbeaten home record to nine matches and keeping pace at the top of Group H.
Captain Marcel Sabitzer converted a 55th-minute penalty, won by Christoph Baumgartner after he was fouled by goalkeeper Fabiano Freitas, to secure the three points at the Raiffeisen Arena in a match that was temporarily delayed due to a hole appearing in the pitch.
The first half offered few clear chances, with both sides managing just one shot on target each. Austria emerged with greater intensity after the break, and Sabitzer’s clinical finish from the spot ultimately proved decisive. The hosts created several opportunities to double their lead, with Baumgartner denied by a sharp Freitas save and Stefan Posch firing over from close range, while goalkeeper Alexander Schlager was called into action to preserve the clean sheet.
The victory marks Austria’s seventh win in eight meetings with Cyprus and keeps them second in their qualifying group, level on points with the leaders. For Cyprus, who remain just above minnows San Marino in the standings, the defeat further diminishes their already slim hopes of qualifying for a first major tournament.
