Austria kick off their long-awaited World Cup campaign against debutants Jordan at Levi’s Stadium on Wednesday morning.
Head coach Ralf Rangnick has completely revitalised the national side, instilling a high-intensity pressing identity. The Burschen easily topped their UEFA qualification group by winning six of their eight matches.
They look to secure a dominant victory to establish an early advantage in Group J. With a daunting match against group favourites Argentina on the horizon, collecting three points here is essential. Rangnick will demand immediate tactical focus to break down a defensive opposition block.
Rangnick must navigate this opening match without the services of midfielder Christoph Baumgartner. The creative star suffered a severe thigh injury during pre-tournament preparations. In his absence, Marcel Sabitzer will shoulder the primary creative burden in the final third. Dejan Ljubicic joined the squad as a late replacement but will likely begin on the bench.
On a positive note, inspirational captain David Alaba has returned to full training. The defender overcame minor muscle tightness to anchor the backline alongside Philipp Lienhart. Energetic midfielder Konrad Laimer is fully cleared to start at right-back. His red card during the recent friendly against Tunisia does not apply to World Cup matches.
Head coach Ralf Rangnick has completely revitalised the national side, instilling a high-intensity pressing identity. The Burschen easily topped their UEFA qualification group by winning six of their eight matches.
They look to secure a dominant victory to establish an early advantage in Group J. With a daunting match against group favourites Argentina on the horizon, collecting three points here is essential. Rangnick will demand immediate tactical focus to break down a defensive opposition block.
Rangnick must navigate this opening match without the services of midfielder Christoph Baumgartner. The creative star suffered a severe thigh injury during pre-tournament preparations. In his absence, Marcel Sabitzer will shoulder the primary creative burden in the final third. Dejan Ljubicic joined the squad as a late replacement but will likely begin on the bench.
On a positive note, inspirational captain David Alaba has returned to full training. The defender overcame minor muscle tightness to anchor the backline alongside Philipp Lienhart. Energetic midfielder Konrad Laimer is fully cleared to start at right-back. His red card during the recent friendly against Tunisia does not apply to World Cup matches.
16 hours ago
