WM-Quali: ÖFB-Team Shines with 10:0 Record Victory Against San Marino

Austria is now in first place ahead of Bosnia due to the fifth win in the fifth match of this World Cup qualifier. The other goals besides Arnautovic (8th, 47th, 83rd, 84th) were scored by Romano Schmid (7th), Michael Gregoritsch (24th), Stefan Posch (30th, 42nd), Konrad Laimer (45th), and debutant Nikolaus Wurmbrand (76th). Team coach Ralf Rangnick mixed up the starting lineup a bit in the absence of the injured Christoph Baumgartner, also with a view to the Sunday match in Bucharest against Romania. Thus, Patrick Pentz, Kevin Danso, and Alexander Prass got their chance in the starting eleven.

Goal Rain for Austria Against San Marino

The Austrians put in a solid effort from the start in front of an official 37,500 fans to secure the high victory, which could be decisive in the event of a tie with Bosnia. Marcel Sabitzer hit the post (4th), then Schmid opened the scoring with a cross intended for Gregoritsch that found its way into the goal. Just a minute later, Arnautovic followed up with a header after a Sabitzer cross.

In the twelfth minute, Gregoritsch's supposed 3:0 was disallowed by the VAR for offside, but this did not detract from the offensive spectacle. Posch missed the target from two meters (16th) and missed a sharp cross from Prass (20th). However, the Como professional served Gregoritsch the ball ideally for 4:0 and was able to celebrate his first goal in the 30th minute. Initially, the 5:0 was ruled offside, but the VAR awarded the goal.

It continued with a Schmid cross hitting the top of the bar (30th) and a corner from Alaba, which Danso headed on and Posch converted from close range. Despite their glaring superiority, San Marino refrained from a defensive tactic, allowing Austria several transition situations - such as shortly before the break when Prass played to Laimer and the Bayern player finished into the far corner. This secured the highest halftime lead in ÖFB international match history.

Arnautovic Breaks New Record

Even after the break, the Austrians did not let up, with Arnautovic increasing the score to 7:0 less than a minute and a half after the restart following a Schmid assist. Shortly thereafter, the 36-year-old was ready to take a penalty, but the VAR rescinded the penalty call. In the 55th minute, Arnautovic served the ball ideally for Gregoritsch, but the Styrian was denied by goalkeeper Edoardo Colombo.

Subsequently, the intensity initially decreased, and the ÖFB players no longer acted with the utmost determination. The next highlight was the goal of the national team debutant Wurmbrand, who had been substituted shortly before. Shortly thereafter, something historic happened again - Nicolas Seiwald was substituted for the first time after 31 international matches over the full distance (77th). Just seconds later, Arnautovic missed the great chance to equal the Polster record, with Colombo clearing with a foot save. However, thanks to his double in the finish, the Viennese still rose to become the most successful ÖFB goal scorer, having been the record national player for some time.

(APA/Red)

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