Austria aims for peak performance against technically superior Spain

Austria's national football team is preparing for a "historic moment" as they face Spain in the World Cup round of 16, with coach Ralf Rangnick emphasizing the need for his team to elevate their performance to the maximum against a technically superior opponent. The German manager acknowledged that Austria must improve significantly, particularly in defense, to stand a chance against the reigning European champions.

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It is logical that we have room for improvement in the defensive behavior of the entire team. We know we have to do a couple of things better if we want to have a chance. Considering that with Spain we are facing a team that is technically, probably the best in the world with possession of the ball, we certainly have to step up.

"It is logical that we have room for improvement in the defensive behavior of the entire team," Rangnick told reporters from Los Angeles, where Austria was finalizing preparations. "We know we have to do a couple of things better if we want to have a chance. Considering that with Spain we are facing a team that is technically, probably the best in the world with possession of the ball, we certainly have to step up."

Austria secured their place in the knockout stage after a dramatic 3-3 draw against Algeria in the group phase. While the team has scored six goals in three matches, they have also conceded six, highlighting Rangnick's concerns about defensive solidity. The coach indicated that he might revert to a starting lineup similar to the one that played against Argentina in the group stage, potentially bringing Michael Gregoritsch into the attack for his pressing ability over Marko Arnautovic.

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Still not reached our maximum performance.

Rangnick also suggested Florian Grillitsch could feature in midfield to add stability, which might see Xaver Schlager benched. The left-back position is also undecided, with Konrad Laimer potentially tasked with marking Spain's winger Lamine Yamal, whom Rangnick described as "one of the next superstars; in fact, he already is."

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Our plan is clear: bring our identity, energy, and intensity.

Despite the daunting task, Rangnick remains optimistic, stating that the squad believes in its chances and has "not yet reached our maximum performance." Midfielder Florian Grillitsch echoed this sentiment, outlining the team's clear plan: "Our plan is clear: bring our identity, energy, and intensity." However, defender Phillipp Mwene admitted that the team has not yet shown its true potential, believing that Rangnick's "pressure and counter-pressure" tactics remain the team's best weapon and could trouble Spain.

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I think so far we have not shown our true face, the one we had in qualification or in the Euros.