The ÖFB team took off for the World Cup – and also thought of “Baumi”

Van der Bellen also said at the beginning of his short speech: “The thoughts in Austria are also with us today Christoph Baumgartner. Dear ‘Baumi’, all of Austria would like to comfort you. Don’t take it so hard. You are so young, there will be more opportunities like this in your life. This time you were unlucky, next time you will be equally lucky.” He has often wished the team all the best, said the Federal President. “I would like to wish you luck, because we know that ultimately it is a game in which there is good and bad luck. We will all be happy with you if things go well.”

Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler emphasized the role of the team players as role models for the children “to move, but also to be proud of this country.” “May everything you set out to do succeed. May every strategy work and the team spirit be noticeable on the field,” said Babler.

Alaba: “Gemma boys”

From the team spoke David Alaba. The captain recalled the ups and downs of the past few years. “I believe that we are embarking on a journey together that is really special. That today is something special. We all had a dream of becoming professional footballers. And over time also of being able to play for Austria and a World Cup. Today is the day when this dream comes true,” said Alaba, who concluded: “I think we are ready for this journey, we have been waiting for this day for a long time. Gemma Burschen, thank you.”

Coach Ralf Rangnick’s team travels via Los Angeles to the World Cup base camp in the luxurious hotel “Ritz-Carlton Bacara” in Goleta near Santa Barbara, directly on California’s Pacific coast. The opening game is scheduled for June 17th (6:00 a.m. CEST) in Santa Clara against Jordan. The group phase continues on June 22nd (7:00 p.m. CEST) in Dallas against world champions Argentina and on June 28th (4:00 a.m. CEST) in Kansas City against Algeria.