ÖFB Team wants to take the next step towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Cyprus

"It is clear that we absolutely want to win the game and, to some extent, have to if we want to finish the group in first place," said ÖFB head coach Ralf Rangnick. Cyprus ranks 128th in the FIFA world rankings, while Austria is in 22nd position. Rangnick pointed to Germany's 0-2 defeat in Slovakia to illustrate that even seemingly easy games can pose challenges. "We need maximum intensity and the highest possible energy," warned the ÖFB coach. "Football is primarily about strategy nowadays, but above all, it's also about energy. And we need both."

Alaba Likely to Start in ÖFB Team's Game Against Cyprus

Rangnick can practically draw from a full squad. Only defenders Maximilian Wöber, Gernot Trauner, and Marco Friedl are missing due to injuries. However, David Alaba is set for his comeback. The ÖFB captain is likely to be in the starting lineup despite lacking match practice at Real Madrid. "There isn't much against it," said Rangnick. "He has participated in all the sessions and feels good. Therefore, it's quite possible that he will play from the start."

The only minor question mark was with Romano Schmid, who sat out earlier in the week due to neck problems. The offensive player fully participated in the final training on Friday and could start if Konrad Laimer moves back to the right-back position, which he also occupies at Bayern Munich. Alternatively, the ball hunter Laimer, highly valued by Rangnick, could play a step further forward, with Italy-based Stefan Posch on the right back.

No Clear Number One for ÖFB Team Yet

The goalkeeper question is completely open. Alexander Schlager is fit again and in match rhythm and could replace Patrick Pentz, who played in the World Cup qualifier opener against Romania (2-1) and in San Marino (4-0) in June. "Due to injury-related absences, we had to keep changing over the past one and a half years," explained Rangnick. "We don't plan to change the goalkeeper in every game now, but it's also not the case that we can say from the outset that this or that one is ahead and the clear number one." This will become apparent in the upcoming international breaks. Rangnick praised the work of all three called-up goalkeepers, including Genk-based Tobias Lawal.

Xaver Schlager is set to make his ÖFB starting lineup comeback after a long injury break. According to Rangnick, the RB Leipzig midfielder was only taken out of an intense training session because the CK value was still too high. This indicates muscle fatigue. Rangnick: "I don't think it's particularly sensible for him to play twice for 90 minutes." After the Cyprus game, the situation will be reassessed.

In the center forward position, the recently goal-scoring Michael Gregoritsch is likely to be preferred over Marko Arnautovic. "We also have the choice and the agony of choice there," said the team coach. "We will certainly need all the strikers we have with us over the course of the two games." Raul Florucz is also ready as a "joker," having joined with four season goals at the Belgian champion Union Saint-Gilloise. "You can notice it in him now," said Rangnick. Compared to his team debut in March, Florucz showed "significantly more charisma and self-confidence" in preparation in Windischgarsten.

Somersaults in Preparation

The team was as focused as ever in training during the week, assured Rangnick. However, there were also the necessary free spaces. "Some went golfing again, others did somersaults into the pool and relaxed there," reported the German. "It was a pretty good mix again." Only Rangnick himself was still struggling with his ankle problems. "It's getting better, but it's still not so that I can walk completely normally again. It's still a bit tedious."

The 67-year-old doesn't have to walk far in the new Linz stadium. His team has never lost there and has won all four previous competitive matches. The Austrians are now unbeaten in seven home games in a row. Before the game begins, there will be a minute of silence for the former ÖFB President Leo Windtner. The Upper Austrian died on August 8 at the age of 74 during a mountain hike on the Traunstein.

(APA/Red)

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