Austria starts World Cup qualification with 2-1 victory against Romania!

Austria starts World Cup qualification with 2-1 victory against Romania!

Austria's national soccer team successfully launched the World Cup qualification on June 7, 2025. In the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, the Romania team defeated 2-1 in front of 48,500 spectators, including about 10,000 Romanian fans. Michael Gregoritsch took the lead in the 42nd minute, while Marcel Sabitzer scored the second goal in the 60th minute. Romania shortened the gap in added time by Denis Alibec, who hit in the 95th minute.

Team boss Ralf Rangnick, who surprised with his line -up, was dissatisfied with the last minutes of the game, especially because of the late goal. Christoph Baumgartner emphasized the importance of this victory, as this was the first game in the group phase in which Austria is considered a favorite. The goal for the 2026 World Cup is a return to the final round after over 25 years.

game course and tactics

The first half was difficult for Austria because the Romania team could not put pressure on. Sabitzer had the first shot in the 10th minute, but Romania's goalkeeper Moldovan prevented a higher deficit with several parades. With his goal, Gregoritsch scored his 20th international goal and thus ensures fresh upswing in the attack.

Sabitzer's second goal was favored by two waste shots that molved the Romanian goalkeeper. Austria defended cleverly, even if Romania was close to the connection goal in the 76th minute - but a shot from Sut was parried by keeper Pentz. After this victory, Austria is third in the table with 3 points in the table, behind Bosnia-Herzegovina, which leads with 9 points.

look at the upcoming challenges

The next game for the ÖFB selection will take place on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, against San Marino. This match will be a further step on the way to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Group H consists of Romania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cyprus and San Marino, whereby Austria aims to become group winners. Otherwise you would have to go to the playoffs to secure one of the remaining World Cup starting places.

After a regeneration day, the team will arrive to San Marino on Monday. The next games against Cyprus and Bosnia-Herzegovina will also take place in September, with Rangnick's squad relying on valuable players. Experience like Marko Arnautović and Marcel Sabitzer should lead the Austrians to success while hoping for David Alaba after his injury.

With this victory, the team has set a positive sign to realize the return to a World Cup finals for Austria for so long. Austria's national team, which has been waiting for participation in a World Cup since 1998, wants to finally return to the top with fresh forces and strategic game. Further details on the upcoming game dates and information about the group are in the corresponding [report from Kickers.at] (https://www.kicker.at/oesterreich- Gks-rumaenien-2025-wM-qualification-uropa-4969627/ Game report) and and Fussball-wm.pro.