ÖFB women lost 0-1 to Norway at the start of the World Cup qualification

The guests were the favorites. However, Austria had not lost four games in a row against Norway. Accordingly, the team boss demanded Alexander Schriebl before the game: “We want to create moments ourselves and let the ball circulate.” Above all, Barbara Dunst wanted to play “disgusting” and “extremely unpleasant” in order to give the strong Norwegians as little space as possible.

This succeeded in phases. The Austrians touched the concrete in defense, the central defenders Virginia Kirchberger and Claudia Wenger didn’t let anything burn for the time being.

But next to nothing went well on offense. The guests took control of the game and had significantly more possession of the ball. The Austrians still had the first big chance in the match. Julia Hickelsberger-Füller, who played in a turban (the 26-year-old had injured herself before the game while trying to remove an ear piercing), failed with her shot past the Norwegian goalkeeper in the 43rd minute. Then the Norwegians had two great chances and the half-time whistle saved the ÖFB team.

ÖFB boss Josef Pröll was satisfied

“You can see that we want to go to a World Cup for the first time,” said ÖFB boss Josef Pröll ORF-Break interview. “I really like that.”

Pröll probably also liked the fact that Austria came into the game better afterwards. A direct free kick from Verena Hanshaw (53.) could be defended. A little later a ball went away Annabell Schasching just over the crossbar.

But the Norwegians managed to score. Austria could not prevent a flank, Lisa Naalsund from Manchester United pushed in completely unmarked (81′). As a result, the Norwegians didn’t let anything go and deservedly bagged the three points.

The ÖFB team’s next opponent is on Saturday (7 p.m.) in Koper Slovenia. On April 14th and 18.4. it goes (first away) against the group favorites Deutschland.

The Germans beat Slovenia 5-0 at the start. Only the first in the group of four is guaranteed to qualify for the 2027 World Cup. The three other teams will play in two play-off rounds for additional tickets.