Austria starts successfully in the World Cup qualification: 2: 1 against Romania!
Austria starts successfully in the World Cup qualification: 2: 1 against Romania!
The Austrian national team started the 2026 World Cup qualification on Saturday, and an important duel was waiting for the team boss Ralf Rangnick : The start against Romania. In Group H, the game is a trend -setting for the chances of the group victory, because Romania counts as one of the great competitors. While the Austrians still rank 22 in the FIFA world rankings, Romania had to be satisfied with the 45th place. The Romanian team already competed in the account with two played games and only three lean points.
Austria was under pressure to meet your own high expectations. The squad showed both newbies and returnees in this premiere match. So debutants, Nicolas Schmid and Nikolas Veratschning and Xaver Schlager, who returned after an injury, part of the team. Unfortunately, Rangnick had to do without his captain David Alaba, who could not play because of a meniscal tear.
an exciting opening game
The encounter took place in the sold-out Happel Stadium and ended with a 2-1 win for Austria. Michael Gregoritsch opened the goal for the hosts in the 42nd minute and scored his 20th international goal. From Austria's point of view, however, the initial phase of the game was not optimal. According to captain were weak, but gradually took control and settled Romania more under pressure.
in the 60th minute Sabitzer increased to 2-0. Despite several possibilities - including a possible hit by Sabitzer, which was canceled because of offside - the Romanian team showed their counterattain in added time and scored the connecting goal through Denis Alibec. Goalkeeper Patrick Pentz previously prevented dangerous opportunities from Nicolae Stanciu and Adrian Sut. Rangnick had also made some changes during the game, such as Patrick Wimmer against Stefan Posch and Gregoritsch against Marko Arnautovic.
look ahead
With a victory, Austria started the qualification well, but does not get tired of improving. Rangnick and his team face further challenges, since internal unrest in the ÖFB, which could affect the overall process of the team. The next games of the qualification will be crucial for the further development of the team.
The betting odds were clear before the game and spoke for Austria - a victory was rated with 1.50, a draw with 4.33 and a victory of the Romanians with 6.50. How things will develop remains to be seen, but it is certain that Rangnick laid a solid foundation with a talented group.
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| Ort | Wieden, Österreich |
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