Anything but a win would be a big surprise – and would destroy the course that started very well after the 4-2 win against Israel. The ÖFB team is challenged against the Republic of Moldova at 8.45 p.m. today. At least the coaching discussion about team boss Franco Foda would calm down a bit until the play-off in March. Sports director Peter Schöttel will only decide after the two games whether the German will still sit on the bench. But Foda emphasizes: “” It’s not about my person now. I’ve been in the football business for a long time and I know the mechanisms. ” The main thing is that “the team performs like it did in the last game, that we can win and start the new year with a good feeling.”
Despite the missed direct qualification, the chance of a World Cup ticket in Qatar is still alive for the ÖFB team. However, there will be no more international matches until the play-offs in March. The duel with Moldova is not a real dress rehearsal, however, as the opponent in March, which you will find out on November 26, is much higher than the number 181 in the FIFA world rankings. In addition, the Austrians lack numerous regular players. David Alaba is spared. The Real Madrid professional left after the duel with Israel. In addition to the injured Stefan Lainer, Xaver Schlager, Konrad Laimer or Christoph Baumgartner, Martin Hinteregger is also unavailable due to a yellow card suspension – the chance for other forces to recommend themselves.
Louis Schaub, who appeared as a noble joker against Israel, can justifiably hope for a starting eleven. The full-backs Christopher Trimmel and Andreas Ulmer seem set for lack of alternatives. In central defense, Aleksandar Dragovic should return to the starting line-up. “But we will try not to change the team that much,” announced Foda. Marko Arnautovic will lead the team onto the field as captain, as Alaba and Baumgartlinger will be absent.
Arnautovic’s presence is very important to the team, as the past games have shown. “He’s an anchor somewhere in the game,” said Foda. The second fixed point in the ÖFB-Offensive is currently Marcel Sabitzer. The interaction with Arnautovic works well, emphasized the Bayern-Munich legionnaire. “He always attracts a lot of defenders, which creates space for other players. We know what we have in him. ” Solutions must be found against the defensive Moldovans. Nevertheless, according to Foda, it is a mistake that you can easily win 5-0 or 6-0 against opponents with smaller names.
