Austria's football team before compulsory victory: fighting spirit against San Marino!

Austria's football team before compulsory victory: fighting spirit against San Marino!

Austria's national soccer team faces a decisive World Cup qualification game against San Marino. The kick -off in the Stadio Olimpico in Serravalle will take place on Tuesday at 8:45 p.m. After a 2-1 win against Romania, the team of coach Ralf Rangnick needs another competitive victory to secure the second threesome in qualification. Marcel Sabitzer, who remembers his childhood in Rimini, warns of arrogance over the smaller nations that could catch up.

"We have to go full throttle from the start," emphasizes Rangnick, while he is on a defensively set opponent who will lurk for a counter. San Marino, which is still without points after three games and has only 1: 8 goals, is seen as a clear underdog, but Rangnick demands a determined appearance of his team. An early goal could make the game easier and increase the pressure.

injury problems and list

When listing, Rangnick has to fight with some failures. The central defenders Gernot Trauner and Kevin Danso fail due to injuries. Maximilian Wöber has aftermath of the last game, while Phillipp Mwene also has to struggle with muscular problems, which makes its commitment unsafe. Nevertheless, Rangnick does not plan any extensive changes in the starting eleven. Possible central defenders are Leopold across the field and Philipp Lienhart, while Patrick Wimmer could play as a right -back as a left -back and Stefan Posch. Marco Friedl and Nikolas are ready as backups.

Rangnick also leaves open whether experimentation is being experimented in the goal, but indicates the seriousness of the game. Marko Arnautovic, just five goals from Toni Polster's record, may be in the starting formation. Rangnick explains that the record is not decisive for the team, but sees opportunities for Arnautovic.

The goal: return to the WM

Austria aims to take part in a World Cup finals after more than 25 years. The last time was in 1998, and since then the ÖFB team failed six times in a row in the qualification rounds. In Group H, Austria is the favorite next to Romania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cyprus and San Marino. The current table shows Austria with three points in fourth place, behind Bosnia-Herzegovina and Romania.

In the coming year, there are still some important games on the schedule, including encounters against Cyprus and Bosnia-Herzegovina, which could be crucial for the qualification. The upswing in the team, including through the returning top performers such as Arnautovic, also gives hope for a group victory and thus a direct World Cup qualification.

Around 1,500 Austrian fans are expected in the stadium. These support the team on their way to an expected victory in order to further consolidate the self -confidence for the next challenges in the qualification. While Rangnick warns of the danger of the small nations, Sabitzer shows himself optimistic and promises that the team will appear.

All in all, the upcoming duel against San Marino is more than just a game, it could be the crucial step towards the targets for the 2026 World Cup. For Austria, every point in this qualification is of great importance.