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“I was a bit surprised that we walked at such a fast pace for over 90 minutes, it couldn’t wait. The players are in full preparation and have no rhythm, so I am very proud of them, ”said Foda.
Some of their players only have a few training units on their legs due to the coronavirus outbreak and postponed European Cup competitions, others are in full preparation. In addition, regular players such as David Alaba, Marko Arnautovic, Konrad Laimer and Valentino Lazaro were missing.
Team ÖFB wins against Norway
The Austrian soccer team defeated Norway 2-1 in the first game of the Nations League group stage on Friday night in the first international game in ten months.
“You have to make up for that”
“We don’t talk about the team’s failures, that’s part of football. You have to compensate for that, ”Foda said. In the absence of several established ÖFB actors, others attracted attention, such as newcomer Christoph Baumgartner. “He enriches our team, he’s fast and has good solutions in a tight space,” the 54-year-old said of the Hoffenheim player.
There was also praise for the second ÖFB newcomer Adrian Grbic, who, unlike Baumgartner, was only used at the finish. “Both can help the team. That gives me more options. Next year qualifying for the World Cup and the MS are just around the corner. It’s best for a coach when he has a lot of options. “
Sabitzer temporary captain
Marcel Sabitzer, who scored the Austrians’ second goal from a penalty, also acted convincingly. “He has developed further in recent months and has matured into an absolute player personality,” Foda said.
Sabitzer wore the captain’s goal from the 40th minute after Martin Hinteregger left the field with an ankle injury. Given that the Frankfurt legionnaire for Monday’s game in Klagenfurt against Romania (8.45pm, live on ORF1) is extremely questionable, Sabitzer could lead the ÖFB selection as captain on the field for the first time. However, Foda emphasized that Julian Baumgartlinger, who was substituted in the final stages, will remain the starting captain. “When my captain is 100 percent fit, he will play,” explained the coach.
Possible changes for the Romania game
Baumgartlinger has only completed a few training units after the Europa League exit with Leverkusen, and can therefore initially sit on the bench on Monday.
Foda declined to reveal which line-up against the Romanians, who started 1-1 at home against Northern Ireland, simply said: “There could be one or the other change.” Schlager sets. “I will decide on Monday who will play.”
“Our victory was absolutely deserved”
Schlager didn’t really get a chance to recommend himself for other appearances against the Norwegians – the LASK keeper couldn’t do anything when Erling Haaland scored, otherwise the keeper had very little to do. “The Norwegians had very few chances, our victory was absolutely deserved,” summarized Foda.
With the exception of his goal, Haaland was in good hands with the ÖFB defense. “But you could see his individual class when he scored,” Foda said. The Dortmund star couldn’t prevent Norway’s first home loss since a 3-0 loss to Germany four years ago and Austria’s first win over the Scandinavians in 41 years.
