Early hits
The match plan will not change, the alignment under Ralf Rangnick is well known and also includes fast starts from the kick-off. In 2024, Austria started like lightning in six of seven games:
Slovakia: Anyone still queuing for a beer at the canteen missed the best part. Christoph Baumgartner started a solo from the position, swerved through the Slovakian defense like a slalom skier and, given the lack of resistance, simply shot – 1:0 after six seconds, a world record goal. “With Baumi, we have a kick-off specialist,” said Laimer.
Türkiye: The starting signal for the 6-1 furious victory in Vienna’s Prater against Turkey was given by the now injured Xaver Schlager, who scored the 1-0 in the 2nd minute.
Serbia: It took ten minutes in the Happel Stadium before Austria took the lead. Patrick Wimmer converted a dream pass from Baumgartner with a shot into the far corner.
Switzerland: In the fifth minute, Florian Kainz intercepted an unfortunate cross pass from Akanji and sent Baumgartner deep. Baumgartner ran past the Swiss and pushed the ball over goalie Sommer into the right corner.
Poland: Gernot Trauner came, saw and headed the ball in. The central defender was allowed to start and put Austria in front with a header into the near corner after a great cross from Mwene. His second goal for Austria.
Netherlands: In the 6th minute, the Dutchman Malen tried to save the day and shot a cross from Prass into his own goal. The pressure from the Austrians bore fruit right from the start.
What is the secret of the quick goals? Another espresso in the dressing room perhaps? Laimer says no: “The coach is still discussing something. On the field we talk among ourselves before kick-off.”
Before every game, Austria’s team forms a circle to get their act together. “The captain says something,” Laimer reveals. “What sets us apart is that we’re there from the very first second. A good start gives you a good feeling.” Defender Kevin Danso watches the attack from the back. “I know at the back that they’ll do something right from the start. That makes it easier for us in defense.”
Everyone agrees that it won’t be easy against Turkey. “A round of 16 is automatically something special,” says Laimer. Danso, who started against France and was on the bench against Poland and the Netherlands, raises a warning finger: “This game will be a completely different affair to the 6-1 friendly win in Vienna.” Although it is certainly no disadvantage that Turkish playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu is suspended.
Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler, who were already lucky charms against the Netherlands in Berlin, will be there again to keep their fingers crossed for the team.