Austria's World Cup qualifier: Sabitzer demands higher victory after 2-1 against Romania!

Austria's World Cup qualifier: Sabitzer demands higher victory after 2-1 against Romania!

On June 7, 2025, the Austrian national team successfully started their qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 win against Romania in the sold-out Ernst Happel Stadium. Team boss Ralf Rangnick, who surprised with two changes in the starting eleven, had Patrick Wimmer played as a right -back and used Maximilian Wöber in central defense. Rangnick described the victory as deserved despite the initial difficulties.

In the first 15 minutes, Austria had trouble coming into play. Marcel Sabitzer, the team's captain, admitted that Romania was strong in the first 20 minutes. But from the second half of the game, the Austrian eleven took control. In the 42nd minute, Michael Gregoritsch netted to 1-0, which was his 20th international goal. Sabitzer increased to 2-0 in the 60th minute, but had wished for a clearer victory.

performance and challenges

The game had some remarkable moments. Romanian goalkeeper Horatiu Moldovan showed several strong parades against shots by Romano Schmid and Sabitzer. The latter had scored another goal, but was not counted due to offside. In the final phase, Patrick Pentz, the Austrian goalkeeper, destroyed a goal with strong parades. However, Romania succeeded in the last minute through Denis Alibec and thus ensured thrill.

After the game, Rangnick expressed his criticism of the last quarter of an hour, in which he would have liked to play at zero. The focus is now on the upcoming game against San Marino, which will take place on Tuesday at 8:45 p.m. Rangnick warned his players into light shoulder and emphasized the need to achieve the desired goals.

goals and group situation

Austria pursues the goal of being back at a World Cup after over 25 years. The team was pulled out of pot 1 and plays in Group H with Romania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cyprus and San Marino. So far, the ÖFB team failed six times in a row in the World Cup qualification rounds. The victory against Romania was more than an important step, but there are still many challenges to be mastered.

The current group situation shows that Austria is on par with Romania and Cyprus after the first game. The table leads Bosnia-Herzegovina with 9 points, while San Marino is still standing without counters. For the Austrians, the group victory is the primary goal to qualify directly, otherwise the team could be sent to the playoffs if it only becomes second.

As part of the World Cup qualification and the upcoming encounter against San Marino, David Alaba, who is still injured, as well as the newcomers Nikola's sparklingness and Thierno Ballo will attract attention. Rangnick emphasizes a positive development in the team and the need to further improve the exploitation of opportunities in order to remain competitive on the way to the 2026 World Cup.