ÖFB Squad for Football World Cup Qualifiers with Wurmbrand and Schöpf

The 26-man ÖFB squad for the World Cup qualifiers also includes David Alaba, Raul Florucz, Florian Grillitsch, and Andreas Weimann.

Schöpf in the ÖFB squad under Rangnick for the first time

Wurmbrand has been impressive this season at Rapid. Last Sunday, the 19-year-old offensive player scored both goals in the 2-1 away victory for the Hütteldorf team against WAC. "We have had him on our radar for a while. He has played really well recently. We don't have many players with the profile he brings - pace dribbling, deep runs," said Rangnick about the only potential debutant in the current squad. For WAC professional Schöpf, it is the first ÖFB call-up under Rangnick; his 32nd and most recent international match was the 2-2 home draw against Scotland in March 2022. "He has played well recently and made a very good physical impression, and according to all the information I have, he is also a good guy who fits in well," said Rangnick.

ÖFB head coach Rangnick sees "good progress" with Alaba

Alaba is joining the ÖFB team for the first time since last March after recovering from a knee injury. According to Rangnick, the captain "has made good progress in recent weeks. I assume he is fit to play, but I don't think he will play both games for 90 minutes." The fact that Alaba seems to be sidelined at Real Madrid does not cause Rangnick much concern. "If he is really fit, I have no worries, then he is still good enough for Real. I am convinced that they can use him well in Madrid and that he will get playing time there."

Grillitsch also has problems at the club level but was still considered by Rangnick. "Something will happen today or tomorrow," Rangnick hinted at a club change for the midfielder and emphasized that match practice for his players is important with regard to a possible World Cup participation. This also applies to Marko Arnautovic, who, after flirting with Rapid, decided on Red Star Belgrade. "I don't really care where someone plays, as long as they play regularly," said Rangnick.

Florucz Made a "Smart Move"

Arnautovic's ÖFB strike partner Weimann is participating for the first time this year. Florucz, who missed the June matches due to injury, has established himself at St. Gilloise in recent weeks. "A smart move," said Rangnick.

The German gathers his team from Monday in Windischgarsten. Onur Cinel remains part of the coaching staff, even though the 40-year-old is now working as head coach of Cercle Brugge. Therefore, Cinel will only join the team on September 5 and return to Belgium three days later. The former Salzburg coach is expected to be part of the staff at least until the potential World Cup participation.

The two upcoming matches will likely provide insight into whether Austria will participate in a World Cup for the first time since 1998. "We are now entering the crucial phase. We started well with two wins, and now it's about building on the performances in these two games. If we perform to our potential, we can win both games, and that's what we want," explained Rangnick.

ÖFB Team Coach Rangnick Warned About Cyprus

Bosnia and Herzegovina lead the table in Group H with nine points from three matches, ahead of Austria (6/2), with Cyprus in fourth place with three points from three games. "There is absolutely no reason to underestimate Cyprus. They have really good players," warned Rangnick. The match in Linz is already sold out, and for the last two home qualifiers on October 9 against San Marino and on November 18 against Bosnia at the Happel Stadium, around 30,000 tickets have been sold for each. Individual ticket sales start next week.

(APA/Red)

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