As expected Trainer Zoran Barisic shuffled his pack ahead of the trip to Pasching to take on SV Wallern in the second round of the ÖFB Samsung Cup. The game took place in Pasching due to the unsuitability of Wallern's home stadium. Some fresh legs came into the starting line up for the Green & Whites: Marko Maric made his second competitive appearance for the club in goal, whilst Philipp Prosenik made his first start in Rapid colours. Supplementing them were more experienced heads such as Thanos Petsos and Louis Schaub.It was no surprise when Wallern, a team competing in Austria's regional leagues came at Rapid from the off full of passion and determination. However, it was the Hütteldorfers who carried attacking threat. Firstly, a free kick from Petsos went narrowly over (11.), with a host of other half chances just failing to yield the first goal. On the half hour mark Rapid produced a moment of real quality to open up the hosts: A move involving Petsos and Schaub ended with Philipp Prosenik slotting home from close range - 0:1 (30.). The final chance of the half took the shape of a shot from Pavelic (37.), but the break arrived with Rapid still a goal to the good. The game failed to find a real tempo and flow at the beginning of the second half, with the introductions of Schwab, Hofmann, Beric proving catalysts for an improved showing. Max Hofmann got on the end of a corner taken by his namesake and skipper, but the centre backs' header lacked the necessary power to beat Wallern keeper Dancic (69.). Prosenik extended Dancic further, drawing a good save with his powerful header from a Schobesberger cross (72.). At the other end of the pitch the Green & White back line was having a very quiet afternoon, and with Wallern lacking the ability to apply any meaningful pressure to the Rapid goal, the second half played out in a tame but professional manner and at the end Barisic's much changed side were left to celebrate winning a place in the next round of the cup, and simultaneously a fourth victory on the trot.ÖFB-Samsung-Cup, 2nd RoundSV Wallern - SK Rapid 0:1 (0:1)Wednesday, 24. September 2014Paschinger Waldstadion, 2.700 AttendanceGoal: 0:1 Prosenik (30.)SK Rapid line up: Maric Pavelic, Dibon, M. Hofmann, Schrammel Petsos, Grahovac (70. Schwab) Schobesberger, Schaub, Kainz (S. Hofmann) Prosenik (80. Beric)(gw)
24.09.2014