The starting position is clear: the Austrian national football team needs two wins at the end of the Nations League to return to the best group. The first step should be taken on Thursday (4 pm/live ORF 1) in Almaty against Kazakhstan. The ÖFB selection sat on the plane to Almaty for about seven hours on Wednesday. ÖFB team boss Ralf Rangnick found “good energy” in the squad.
“We want to play to our strengths”
The trip to Kazakhstan should not be an excuse. On Wednesday at 1:30pm the team took off from Vienna on a chartered plane and was scheduled to arrive in Almaty ten minutes before midnight local time. The clocks are not changed, Austrians continue to live in the Central European time zone. “It will be about staying in our time so that the body is not allowed to go out of control,” said the attacking man Christoph Baumgartner, who – like the whole team – wants to take action now on the field after the quarrels with the ÖFB leadership.
With Austria’s usual style of play under Rangnick, the underdogs should win. About a month after the 4-0 victory in Linz, the second duel against Kazakhstan should be won with offensive pressure and ball conquests. “We want to show our talent, regardless of the opponent,” Baumgartner said. Rangnick agrees with his noble technician. “If we show our true colors, I’m sure we’ll win both games,” said the German. He announced that he wanted to join Bestformation. Salzburg goalkeeper Alexander Schlager will start between the posts, Patrick Pentz will then lead Slovenia. Gernot Trauner, who was spared, and Florian Grillitsch, who is suffering from inflammation in the adductor area, are not there in Almaty.
Two wins are mandatory for Austria
Despite only a few training sessions in Vienna, Rangnick traveled to Almaty with confidence. “The players made a very focused impression. That is why I am confident that we will bring this energy onto the pitch tomorrow. That will be the key,” emphasized the successful coach, who recently played against Kazakhstan ( 4:0) and Norway (5:1) were able to celebrate clear victories.
It should not go unnoticed on the pitch on Thursday that ÖFB’s kickers are at their best off the pitch. Marcel Sabitzer and Co want to take the first step towards the group victory with a good performance. The second is coming up on Sunday at the Ernst Happel Stadium against Slovenia.
Recently there were no goals twice in Kazakhstan
Norway realized in the current League of Nations that Kazakhstan could be an obstacle on their own territory. The team around the superstar Erling Haaland could not achieve a goalless draw in Kazakhstan. Slovenia also had a lot of trouble, but they narrowly won 1-0 in the end. Kazakhstan have not conceded a goal in their last two home games against Austria. There were two 0-0 draws in Astana in World Cup qualifying in 2011 and 2012. This time the ÖFB kickers are trying to be more dangerous on the attack.
Interviewer: Welcome, and thanks for joining us today! With the Nations League match against Kazakhstan approaching, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation around the Austrian national football team. To help us unpack this situation, we have expert sports analyst, Dr. Victor Klein, who specializes in team dynamics and performance. Dr. Klein, how crucial are these upcoming matches for Austria?
Dr. Klein: Thank you for having me! The stakes are quite high for Austria as they need these two wins to secure their place in the top group of the Nations League. The pressure is definitely on, but it also provides an incredible opportunity for the team to demonstrate their capabilities on an international stage.
Interviewer: Absolutely! Coach Ralf Rangnick has mentioned he sees “good energy” in the squad. From a psychological standpoint, how important is team morale before such crucial matches?
Dr. Klein: Team morale plays a significant role in performance, especially in high-pressure situations. When players feel good about their team dynamics and their own roles, they are more likely to perform at their best. The fact that Rangnick has noted positive energy suggests that the players are rallying together, and that synergy can be pivotal for success.
Interviewer: Speaking of team synergy, Christoph Baumgartner has emphasized the importance of playing to their strengths and sticking to their Central European time zone to maintain rhythm. How does travel affect team performance, and what strategies can they implement to mitigate those effects?
Dr. Klein: Travel fatigue is definitely a real concern, especially with a long flight like the one to Almaty. It can disrupt players’ sleep cycles and general well-being. The strategy Baumgartner mentions—adhering to their home time zone—can help in minimizing disorientation. Additionally, keeping the players engaged with light training, proper hydration, and diet can enhance their readiness. It’s about maintaining a sense of normalcy.
Interviewer: Interesting! As we consider the upcoming match, there’s been talk about Austria’s play style under Rangnick, focusing on offensive pressure and ball control. How is this tactical approach likely to impact their game against a team like Kazakhstan?
Dr. Klein: Rangnick’s philosophy is very much about high-intensity pressing and swift ball transitions. Against a team like Kazakhstan, who may not have the same level of depth and talent, this might provide Austria with a significant advantage. If they can apply pressure effectively and dominate possession as they did in their previous match against Kazakhstan, this could lead to scoring opportunities and a decisive victory.
Interviewer: You mentioned the previous 4-0 victory in Linz, which likely provides a confidence boost. How important is historical performance in shaping a team’s mindset going into a match?
Dr. Klein: Historical performance can greatly influence psychology. Winning a previous encounter instills confidence and a sense of familiarity within the squad. Conversely, it can also be a double-edged sword; if they dwell on past successes too much, they might underestimate their opponents. The key is to leverage that victory as motivation while maintaining focus on the current game.
Interviewer: Very insightful! As we wrap up, what would you say is the biggest challenge for Austria as they prepare for this match?
Dr. Klein: The biggest challenge will likely be managing expectations and pressure while maintaining focus on the game plan. They have the talent to succeed, but they must execute under pressure and avoid letting off-field distractions influence their performance. If they can do that, I believe they’ll secure the wins they need.
Interviewer: Thank you so much, Dr. Klein, for your valuable insights. Austria truly has their work cut out for them, but it sounds like they have the tools and mentality to succeed. We look forward to seeing how they perform against Kazakhstan!
