Page 22 - Soccer360 Issue 106

S360 PREDICTION | 14TH PLACE NICKNAME: DAS TEAM
AUSTRIA
They come into the tournament lying somewhat under the radar, but Austria could be dangerous opponents at Euro 2024. Stephen Donovan assesses their chances.
EURO APPEARANCES: 3
EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0
FIFA RANKING 25TH
FIERCELY COMPETITIVE
Austria is among the nations to have benefitted the most from the decision
of UEFA to expand the European Championships from 16 to 24 teams
ahead of Euro 2016. Before then they had never qualified, with their only prior finals appearance coming in 2008 as co-hosts, but they are now entering their third edition in
a row and are quietly confident of making their biggest splash to date. Under the guidance of experienced and influential tactician Ralf Rangnick, they qualified well with their only dropped points coming against group winners Belgium, playing with an energy that makes them both entertaining to watch and difficult to beat. Real Madrid’s David Alaba is the big name in the heart of defence, but while it’s a side without any real attacking superstars, their squad nevertheless contains some very good players who together make a highly effective unit. The ones to watch include Marcel Sabitzer, who offers creativity as well as a goal threat ahead of the tireless central midfield duo of Konrad Laimer
and Xaver Schlager. Meanwhile, this could be a breakthrough tournament for RB Leipzig’s Christoph Baumgartner, who scored the quickest international goal
ever recorded back in March. Much will depend on how they navigate a very tough group. A good result against France in their competition opener would be a bonus, but equally Austria will fancy their chances of performing strongly against Poland and
the Netherlands. If so, Das Team have every hope of going one better than at Euro 2020, where they lost narrowly to eventual winners.
PROBABLE STARTING XI
THE COACH:
RALF RANGNICK
One of Europe’s most respected coaches, Ralf Rangnick’s first foray into international management has so far been a successful one, comfortably guiding Austria to Euro 2024 by overseeing a series of strong performances in qualifying. A pioneer of
the high press, his team will be among the most hardworking at the tournament. The 65-year-old held talks with Bayern Munich in April over their managerial vacancy, but he soon committed his future to Das Team, putting an end to that unwanted distraction.
KEY PLAYER:
DAVID ALABA
Despite being around for what feels like forever, David Alaba is still only 31 and continues to shine at the very top level in the colours of Real Madrid. He captains Austria in their third successive Euros and will hope to take them further than ever while showcasing his versatility. Although he will likely line up in central defence, expect him to be given the freedom to contribute heavily towards their attacking play.
THEIR BEST THREE EUROS
2020
2008
2016
12TH
13TH
22ND
SABITZER
SIEWALD
POSCH
BAUMGARTNER
SCHLAGER
GREGORITSCH
LAIMER
ALABA
WOBER
DANSO
SCHLAGER
UEFA EURO OVERALL RECORD PLD:10 W:2 D:2 L:6
FACTFILE
POPULATION:
9 million
EURO FINALS APPEARANCES: 3
BEST FINISH: Last 16, 2020
MOST MEMORABLE EUROS MOMENT: Making their Euros debut as co-hosts in 2008.
HOW THEY GOT TO EURO 2024: Finished a close second to Belgium in their qualifying group.
LAST EUROS APPEARANCE: 2020 - Reached the knockout stage for the first time before losing to Italy in extra time in the last 16.
MOST CAPPED PLAYER: Marko Arnautovic, 111 caps
LEADING INTERNATIONAL SCORER: Toni Polster, 44 goals
HOW TO FOLLOW:
TONI POLSTER
VS FRANCE VS POLAND VS NETHERLANDS JUNE 17TH JUNE 21ST JUNE 25TH 3:00PM | EST 12:00PM | EST 12:00PM | EST
20
SOCCER360 SUMMER 2024
GROUP D - UEFA EURO 2024