Austria's 1978 Odyssey: Chapter 3 – The Miracle of Córdoba

The second group stage ratcheted the step up in opponents for Austria. Group A was an all European affair, as the Austrians faced Italy, the Netherlands and West Germany. Only the winners of the group would progress to the World Cup final and finishing second meant a trip to the 3rd place playoff. There was no margin for error whatsoever.

Austria’s first match was against the Dutch on the 14th June in Cordoba, Argentina’s second most populous city. The 1974 World Cup finalists didn't have Johann Cruyff in their squad but still had world class players. The names are synonymous with the golden age of Dutch football: skipper Ruud Krol, Wim Jansen, Arie Haan, Johan Neeskens, Dick Nanninga, Johnny Rep and Rob Rensenbrink.

Things went wrong for the Austrians right from the start when Holland won a free kick to the right of Austria’s 18 yard box on the sixth minute. Two Austrian players tried to clear Arie Haan's cross, but misjudged the flight of the ball, as it sailed over both their heads for wide open Dutch centre back Ernie Brandts to easily score from close range. Holland imposed their dominance by created numerous chances and were awarded a penalty on 35 minutes when Gerhard Breitenberger clumsily felled Wim Jansen to concede a penalty. Rob Rensenbrink made no mistake from the spot.

Austria then compounded the errors two minutes when caught in possession. Rensenbrink sprinted into the opposition half before putting Johnny Rep through on goal with a expertly weighted defence splitting pass. Rep's first touch was heavy and enticed Koncilia to charge out. Seeing this, Rep simply lofted the ball over the onrushing Austrian keeper and into the back of the net. 3-0 down at half time, the television clips of Austria’s manager Helmut Senekowitsch grimly looking on spoke a thousand words.