ÖFB team in the second leg against Serbia: Who will be number one in goal?

ÖFB team in the second leg against Serbia: Who will be number one in goal?

Austria's national soccer team had to be content with a 1-1 draw against Serbia in the first international match of the year, despite clear superiority on the pitch. Team boss Ralf Rangnick relied on Alexander Schlager from Salzburg in goal, who tried out the rotation principle in the last few games. In the first leg of the Nations League playoff, which was played at the Ernst Happel Stadium in front of 46,400 spectators, Michael Gregoritsch took the lead in the 37th minute before Lazar Samardzic equalized for the Serbs in the 61st minute Krone.at reported.

Rangnick emphasized that Schlager showed a solid performance, with 29 ball contacts and 24 successful passes. Only the fact that a goal was conceded clouded the balance. “I'm just happy when I can show myself,” commented Schlager. However, Patrick Pentz, his rival for the starting goalkeeper position, remains a big challenge, as Rangnick noted: "At the moment Alex is ahead, but it's only a little bit," said the team boss. The second leg takes place on Sunday in Belgrade, with the Austrians still hoping to qualify for the World Cup Laola1.at reported.

The ÖFB team was unable to achieve more than a draw despite dominant approaches to the game. Special mention goes to the comeback of David Alaba, who played for the national team again after a 485-day break. His appearance was followed by a crucial appearance from Xaver Schlager, who also returned after injury problems. Rangnick promised to keep an eye on the development of the players in the club: “The race for World Cup qualification has not yet been decided,” he emphasized, which underlines the competition within the team.