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On Wednesday (8.45pm / ORF 1, Dazn), a trend-setting match awaits the Austrian national soccer team in qualifying for the World Cup. Against Denmark, a sense of accomplishment is almost imperative to preserve the possibility of taking first place in the group and thus the direct ticket to Qatar 2022. After two rounds, the Danes are two points ahead of the ÖFB team. and also a goal difference that is eight goals higher – an away win at the Ernst Happel Stadium would be a big step towards the final round after the triple start in March.
That is exactly what Franco Foda’s team wants to avoid and, for its part, “spend the summer” as the leader with a victory over the world number twelve in Group F (matchday four will not start again until 1 September). For captain David Alaba, before the summit in the Prater, things are creaking: “We all love games like this. Maybe we are playing at that level for games like this,” said the 28-year-old, who looked forward with an increase in performance compared to matches in Scotland (2: 2) and hopes against the Faroe Islands (3: 1). Alaba does not see the fact that the national team is two points behind Denmark as a major problem. “Our starting position is good. We lost points in Scotland, but we got into the standings very well in the second game,” said Alaba, stating: “We want to do everything we can to be successful.”
The Danes, most recently permanent guests at the World Cup and Euro tournaments, are of a different caliber: “They have a very good team with good individual players and they are also well positioned as a team,” said the Bayern professional. Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is one of the best in his field for Alaba, and manager Christian Eriksen has played, according to the Viennese, “for a long time on a global level. He is dangerous for goals and shoots good standards.”
External players required
His boss, Franco Foda, sees it in a very similar way: “You have a lot of quality, speed and depth.” One aspect in particular could become decisive in terms of defensive tactics on Wednesday: “We have to act compactly and have their wingers under control, our full-backs have to work a lot. We also have to develop our game on offense.” . “The Danes can perform in a very variable way.” We have to be prepared for the fact that they push once and then wait for the opposite situations again, “warned Foda, adding:” It’s going to be an exciting game. On a day like this, the little things often make a difference, as well as a little bit of luck. I hope this time he falls on our side. “
Denmark started with a 2-0 victory in Israel and then won 8-0 against Moldova. National coach Kasper Hjulmand changed the ten outfield players compared to Israel’s match; while the ÖFB-Elf against the Faroe Islands started after the break to retain regular forces. Foda assumes that the Danes will arrive at the Prater with their Israeli training. The nearly weeklong break for regular players doesn’t necessarily have to speak for the 1992 European champions, Mainz said. “It is difficult to judge whether it is an advantage or a disadvantage when you change ten players. It can bring more freshness, but it can also lose a rhythm.”
Increase with the opponent
The Danes’ good start to qualifying has little meaning for the team boss heading into Wednesday’s game. Because: “Each game writes its own story,” explained the 54-year-old. “We play at home, our team has quality, they have shown it in many games. You can always improve when your opponent improves.”
As usual, the team leader was not able to get much out of his initial training. The manager also left open the possibility of Alexander Schlager returning to goal (which is likely) or Ercan Kara could make his debut. In this case, the Rapid striker with Turkish roots would definitely be insured for the ÖFB. Only Florian Grillitsch’s yellow card is safe.(May / what)
