Austria edge Panama in spiteful contest

Panama's goalkeeper Jaime De Gracia making a desperate attempt to save a goal from Austria's midfileder Andreas Gruber. Photo / Mark Mitchell, NZ Herald

There is no lack of drama in Group B at the Fifa Under-20 World Cup.

Late goals were a feature of the opening pair of matches and tonight's clash between Austria and Panama in Wellington had its share of highlights as the Austrians took a valuable 2-1 win.

Panama got on the board first through a brilliant strike from outside the area courtesy of Fidel Escobar in the 38th minute.

But Austria were back in the contest when an own goal from Panama captain Chin Hormechea saw the sides level at the break.

Austria's Valentin Grubeck provided what proved to be the winner early in the second half but the action didn't let up during the final 40 minutes.

Panama goalkeeper Jaime de Gracia saved two penalties to keep his side in the game, despite them going down to nine men as two players were given red cards.

As the rain tumbled down at Wellington Regional Stadium, Panama searched for an equaliser but it wasn't forthcoming in a game that included some spiteful moments between both sides.

Panama's heavy tackling wasn't appreciated by the Austrians who tried to employ their technical passing game, despite the wet conditions.

The result has put Austria in a good position to get out of the group stages but they still need to meet tournament favourites Argentina in their final pool game.

Austria 2 (Chin Hormechea 45+1 og, Valentin Grubeck 51) Panama 1 (Fidel Escobar 38) halftime: 1-1