ÖFB victory in the shadow of tragedy: Rangnick calls for more empathy

ÖFB victory in the shadow of tragedy: Rangnick calls for more empathy

On June 11, 2025, an important game took place in the World Cup qualification, in which the Austrian national football team defeated San Marino 4-0. But the success was overshadowed by a tragic event in Graz that deeply shocked the entire nation. A shooting spree on the same day caused great consternation and overshadowed the joy of victory. Team boss Ralf Rangnick described this day as “particularly tragic for the whole of Austria” and described it as one of his most difficult days as a coach.

Rangnick, who informed his players about the events on Tuesday morning, appeals for greater mutual awareness in society. In his statements he emphasized the importance of relationships, trust and empathy, especially in the upbringing of children and young people. “We have to put love more in the foreground and make our children strong,” demanded Rangnick. The underlying social challenges such as the war in Ukraine and the conflicts in Israel and Gaza, which he also addressed, contribute to the urgency of his appeal.

The importance of education

Rangnick's statements are in the context of a constant change in educational ideals. Modern parenting methods place increasing emphasis on children's emotional intelligence and resilience. Authoritarian approaches that emphasized obedience and discipline used to be dominant. Today, however, a partnership model is pursued that creates space for individual development and dialogue between parents and children and thus better takes the children's needs into account. The approach of “positive parenting” has become more important in this context and promotes the development of self-confident and competent individuals.

Before the game, Rangnick decided not to have a classic team meeting. Instead, he encouraged the players to make their personal contribution and to approach the game with concentration. The team showed an impressive performance in the first half, but had to accept some losses in the rhythm of the game after numerous changes in the second half. However, Rangnick rated the team's overall performance as "absolutely fine" and expressed optimism about the possibility of qualifying for the World Cup once the team is complete.

A look at the future

There are already new challenges ahead for Rangnick and the ÖFB selection. The next course is planned for September, with games against Cyprus and Bosnia-Herzegovina on the program. Key players such as David Alaba and Xaver Schlager are expected to be ready to play again at this point.

The importance of positive, empathetic parenting, which Rangnick addresses, has become more relevant in today's society, especially in light of such tragic events. It remains to be seen how these developments will shape the future generation and what approaches parents and society will choose to prepare children for the challenges of the modern world.

For more information, read the full articles on crown, Vol.at and gain a deeper insight into modern educational ideals History Abitur.