Football World Cup Qualifiers: ÖFB Head Coach Rangnick Warns Against Romania

Austria enters the opening of the FIFA World Cup qualification against Romania as the favorite, which takes place on Saturday at the sold-out Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna (8:45 PM/live ORF 1). The Romanians are under pressure after their defeat against Bosnia in March. ÖFB team coach Ralf Rangnick emphasizes the importance of a successful start with a home victory.

Past Qualifications as a Warning for ÖFB Team Coach Rangnick

Austria has been longing for a World Cup participation since 1998. The chance seems as great as it hasn't been in a long time as a top team in Group H. "We have the expectation of ourselves that we will make it for the first time in 28 years," emphasized Rangnick, but warned against the paper form. In the past World Cup qualifications, the ÖFB team had not succeeded in "manageable groups." "I am relatively sure that similar things were said in Austria - about mandatory victories and that if we don't make it in this group, we will never make it again."

In the most recent five World Cup qualifications, Austria was never better than third in the group. Rangnick also tried to show this to the team. "I told the guys: We have to do something different this time. Because if we do it the same way as in the last four, five, or six qualifications, it will go similarly," explained the German. "And I know that this team can do things differently and wants to do things differently."

ÖFB Team Coach Rangnick Hopes for Pressing Opportunities Against Romania

Rangnick demanded maximum energy on the pitch for the opening. "We have to make our game felt for 95 minutes." With the Romanians, a strong-playing team comes to Vienna, which also likes to build up from the back. "If you let them play, if you give them time and space, they can play really well. But of course, we don't intend to do that." The Austrians hope instead that good pressing situations will arise from Romania's ball possession.

Because there was a bit more time than usual, the team's own build-up play was a "bigger focus" during the training week in Seefeld, reported Rangnick. In the past Nations League matches against Slovenia (1:1) and Serbia (1:1 and 0:2), he identified the conversion of chances as the biggest shortcoming. The series of three winless international matches is now supposed to end against the Romanians.

Starting Lineup for FIFA World Cup Qualification Against Romania Already Set

According to his own statements, Rangnick decided on his starting lineup as early as Thursday. Experiments are not expected. The goal will most likely be guarded by Patrick Pentz - all other goalkeepers in the squad would be making their international debut. The ÖFB team has kept a clean sheet only twice in the most recent 15 matches. Against Kazakhstan (4:0 and 2:0), however, it was not Pentz, but Alexander Schlager, who is missing this time due to a wrist injury, in goal.

With captain David Alaba injured again in the knee and Gernot Trauner suspended, two central defenders are unavailable, so the defensive duo is likely to be Kevin Danso and Philipp Lienhart. On the flanks, Stefan Posch and Phillipp Mwene have the best chances, while the more offensive Patrick Wimmer might remain in the role of a substitute.

With the exception of offensive player Raul Florucz (muscular problems), all called-up squad players are fit. Xaver Schlager has also participated in all sessions, but has not yet played a competitive match for RB Leipzig this year. How long he will be able to use the midfield dynamo after his recent muscle injury will also depend on the chronology of the game, explained Rangnick. "20 minutes should be possible. But I would prefer if we don't have to bring him in at all in the two matches." On Tuesday, the ÖFB team will visit underdog San Marino.

Football World Cup Qualifiers: Arnautovic "in good shape as always"

In the central midfield, Konrad Laimer and Nicolas Seiwald are still two strong ball hunters available even without Schlager. The selection in the forward center is less extensive. Veteran Marko Arnautovic and Freiburg reserve player Michael Gregoritsch have played little recently. Arnautovic also had to digest his club Inter Milan's 0-5 defeat in the Champions League final. "Marko was in good shape as always, he showed good performances in training," revealed Rangnick. "He showed what we need from him tomorrow."

An alternative from the bench could be Mathias Honsak. The 28-year-old recently kept Heidenheim in the German Bundesliga with his goals and can hope for his international debut. "He is a different type of striker, who due to his size and speed - in addition, he is left-footed and knows where the goal is - has his qualities," said Rangnick. However, no single newly called-up player has fallen short in training. "Everyone has made a really good impression."

Romanians in Football World Cup Qualifiers against Austria without Dragusin and Hagi

For the Romanians, besides Tottenham defender Radu Dragusin (cruciate ligament tear), the second big name, Ianis Hagi, is also missing due to a more severe knee injury. The son of legend Gheorghe Hagi was recently active with the Glasgow Rangers but is currently looking for a club. As the "pace and idea provider" in midfield, Rangnick has identified Saudi Arabia legionnaire Nicolae Stanciu. He also warned of the "dribble-strong and technically good wingers" Dennis Man (Parma) and Florin Tanase (FCSB Bucharest).

Despite the great interest of the Romanian diaspora, Rangnick expects a real home game atmosphere in the Happel Oval filled with 48,500 spectators. "If we play the way we intend to, the spark will also jump back to our fans," predicted the 66-year-old. "It is our job to ensure that."

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.