For Austria it’s about winning the group, promotion and a record

With a victory in the final Nations League game on Sunday (6 p.m./live on ORF1) in Vienna against Slovenia, Austria’s national soccer team can not only secure promotion to League A, but also make history. The ÖFB A team has never celebrated nine wins in a calendar year.

Team boss Ralf Rangnick emphasizes: “We are happy to take all nine. But we need a win for promotion anyway. And going into the new year with success is above all else for us.”

The current Nations League is now heading to the final. After the modest start with one point from two games, “it was clear to us that we probably needed four wins in a row,” calculates Rangnick. The route is the same as ever. “For us, as is often the case, it’s about energy. If we bring our game onto the pitch, we can get the action on our side.”

He expects Slovenia to play in the classic 4-4-2 formation, counterattack-oriented and dangerous in set-piece situations. “We recently won all of our home games, whether in Linz or Vienna, and played really exciting football. That’s why we’re now looking forward to this final.” The Happel Stadium will be sold out, Austria will be competing in specially created retro jerseys that will be launched to mark the 50th anniversary of the collaboration with outfitter Puma.

Fit and fresh

Marcel Sabitzer doesn’t feel any increased pressure before the decisive game. “What is pressure in football? It’s always there. We play at home. And with the quality we have, we will do it if we bring it onto the pitch.” The Dortmund legionnaire, who had to sit out in Kazakhstan due to a stomach bug, feels fit enough for the performance. “I’m doing well so far, I’m confident.”

Trauner and Grillitsch, neither of whom were playing in Kazakhstan, are also available. “Everyone is fit and ready for action. I still have to delete one player from the score sheet,” said Rangnick. Pentz will be in goal, Trauner will defend and Arnautovic will storm.

Rangnick decided against a short stint in Almaty with the Inter-Legionnaire. “There is another game on Sunday, and hopefully it will be Marko’s game, just like it always has been at home games.”

Rangnick still sees his team as being ready for League A and the big leagues: “I have never doubted the quality of the team.”