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Football World Cup: Bundesliga coaches expect a lot from Austria
🇦🇹 Austria /Sports

Football World Cup: Bundesliga coaches expect a lot from Austria

From Die Presse · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Twelve Bundesliga coaches believe Austria's national football team has a strong chance at the upcoming World Cup.
  • Most coaches expect Austria to advance past the group stage, with many seeing a quarterfinal appearance as possible.
  • While reaching the quarterfinals is seen as achievable, facing top teams like Spain in later stages presents a significant challenge.

Austrian football's top minds are expressing significant optimism for the national team's prospects at the upcoming World Cup. A survey of twelve Bundesliga coaches reveals a widespread belief that Austria possesses the quality to make a deep run in the tournament, with many considering a quarterfinal appearance well within reach.

I trust our national team to do anything if we get into a good flow.

— Maximilian SenftExpressing high confidence in Austria's potential at the World Cup.

No coach doubts Austria's ability to navigate the group stage, suggesting that anything less than advancing would be a disappointment. The quality of key players like David Alaba is highly regarded, fueling expectations. Maximilian Senft, outgoing coach of Ried, boldly stated, "I trust our national team to do anything if we get into a good flow." Others, like Michael Köllner of Blau-Weiß-Linz, believe the team can "come very far," while WSG coach Philipp Semlic is convinced Austria could be one of the "surprise teams of the tournament."

I am convinced that we have good chances of being perceived as one of the surprise teams of the tournament.

— Philipp SemlicHighlighting Austria's potential to be a surprise package.

Several coaches, including former Salzburg coach Daniel Beichler and WAC coach Thomas Silberberger, are even speculating about a potential quarterfinal berth. Achieving this would require navigating knockout matches in the Round of 16 and quarterfinals after the group stage. Austria faces Jordan, defending champions Argentina, and Algeria in Group J.

I think the team is capable of causing difficulties for any opponent.

— Dietmar KühbauerAssessing Austria's ability to challenge strong teams.

Despite the high hopes, some coaches acknowledge the daunting challenges ahead. Facing a powerhouse like Spain in the Round of 16, as could happen, would make Austria a clear underdog, according to Manfred Schmid, former coach of Hartberg. However, even in such a scenario, a strong performance against a top nation could be viewed as a success. For many, successfully advancing from the group stage remains the primary benchmark for success, with anything beyond that considered a bonus.

I trust our team to kick out one or two 'big ones' from the tournament.

— Stephan HelmBelieving Austria can upset favored teams.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Presse in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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