Football World Cup Qualifiers: Alaba Praises Current Austrian National Team
"I believe that in terms of quality and potential, and also in depth, we are the best national team that perhaps ever existed," said Alaba on Wednesday at the team camp in Windischgarsten.
Alaba firmly believes in ÖFB team's participation in the football World Cup
Similarly, in the fall, another leading player, Marko Arnautovic, had already expressed himself. "The competition is even higher, and that invigorates a team," said Alaba. Why does he firmly believe in World Cup participation? "Because we a) have the quality and potential and b) perhaps somewhere a team spirit that maybe wasn't there before. When you combine these things, success comes out somewhere at the end of the day."
Since his ÖFB debut in 2009, Alaba has tried unsuccessfully in four World Cup qualifications. "You do notice at some point that not so many opportunities are coming anymore," said the 33-year-old, who has won the Champions League four times so far, about World Cup participation as a remaining major career goal. "We had the opportunities before, but now it feels like we really have it in sight."
In the past, the right steps were taken, and a certain, possibly necessary process was undergone. "We are on a very, very good path and very positively minded," emphasized Alaba. The ÖFB selection under team coach Ralf Rangnick is considered the favorite in the group with Romania and Bosnia. The first showdown with the so far flawless table leader Bosnia will take place three days after the Cyprus game on Tuesday in Zenica.
Alaba sees "good steps forward" in himself
That Alaba, after his recent injury woes - a meniscus tear followed by calf problems in the summer - will play both games for 90 minutes, was recently doubted by Rangnick. "I have made good steps forward in the last weeks and months," emphasized his captain. He participated in every training session with Real Madrid during preparation. "That wasn't the case in the recent past. Accordingly, I feel really very good." Could he go the full distance twice? "I think so. Whether it's sensible, I don't know now."
The upcoming matches all have a very high significance. "If you have often failed in the past, the goal is, of course, to be at the World Cup," explained Alaba. "It's a huge dream - not just for me, but for everyone. We want to do everything for it." Against Cyprus, it primarily depends on the favored ÖFB team how the result will turn out. The 107-time international warned, however: "Every game with the national team can be dangerous."
(APA/Red)
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