Football World Cup: Herzog Wants Group with Argentina

Andreas Herzog might be replaced as Austria's last World Cup goal scorer at the tournament in North America next summer. "This generation has earned it," said Herzog after the successful qualification, the first since 1998, in an interview with the APA. "In terms of play, we will be better at the World Cup and will have to be better if we want to play a role. The players know that, and the coach knows that too."

World Cup Unmatched

The ÖFB team went into the qualification group with Bosnia and Romania as favorites due to its quality. "But you have to implement it, it's not a walk in the park," emphasized Herzog. The 103-time international credited coach Ralf Rangnick with sparking enthusiasm in Austria since taking office. Participating in a European Championship is great, but a World Cup is above that. "It's like the Olympic Games for another athlete - the biggest thing there is."

For David Alaba and Marko Arnautovic, it was possibly the last chance to qualify for a World Cup. "The last ten, twelve years they have been the figureheads of Austrian football. I'm all the more pleased for the two of them," explained Herzog. Unlike Herbert Prohaska, who in 1998 had to consider Herzog's persistent toe problems, he wishes Rangnick to have the key players fit for the tournament. "Then we can really shine at the World Cup and celebrate victories." With a performance like the 1:1 in the decisive qualifying match against Bosnia, however, one would "not shine" at the tournament.

As key players, Herzog named, in addition to Alaba and Arnautovic, Marcel Sabitzer and, due to his "goal instinct," Michael Gregoritsch. The latter saved the ÖFB team with his equalizer against Bosnia at the finish line. "The goal goes down in history," said Herzog. Similar to his own at the same venue in the decisive World Cup qualifying match in 1997 against Sweden (1:0). At the World Cup in France, he then scored in the final group match against Italy (1:2) with a penalty.

"Exciting Generation"

Behind Arnautovic (36 years), Alaba (33), Sabitzer and Gregoritsch (both 31), there is currently an "exciting generation" with Xaver Schlager, Konrad Laimer (both 28), and Christoph Baumgartner (26), Herzog noted. Recently, many finals have been qualified for. "But you must not be blinded by that. Mistakes are made even when things are going well. We have to be careful," warned the 57-year-old. "In good times, you set the course for the future."

With the exception of Rapid's Nikolaus Wurmbrand (19), no A-squad player is under 21 years old. "We haven't produced as many in recent years. Other countries have done better," said Herzog. The Viennese places hope in the age group currently causing a stir at the U17 World Cup in Qatar. "If a few of them don't break through and play in the Bundesliga soon, we've done something wrong." You shouldn't wait too long with young players. "You have to promote them, but also challenge them, work hard with them, and introduce them to the international level."

Compared to the 1998 World Cup team, many more team players now play abroad. "It's definitely an advantage when each individual is challenged in a good league and has international experience. It's also a maturation process that positively affects a team."

Herzog Wants Argentina

Austria will learn its World Cup group opponents on December 5. Herzog wishes for an ÖFB duel with Lionel Messi and Co. "It would be cool to play against Argentina, against the world champion, so they get to know us too. We don't necessarily need Europeans as opponents." The different playing styles and cultures are the essence of a World Cup. "At a European Championship, everything is very similar."

The large distances in North America, the sometimes intense heat, and the altitude in venues like Mexico City should be noted. "No Austrian and no European is used to that. You really have to be careful," said Herzog. The former assistant coach and U23 coach of the USA (2011-2016) also warned about the time difference from the West to the East Coast. "I already notice it in Austria when daylight saving time is changed. Three hours is a whole different story."

Praise for Sports Venues

The sports venues overseas are an "absolute dream" - especially in the USA, but also in Canada. Herzog would wish for an ÖFB destination in the West, such as in Vancouver or Los Angeles, where he ended his active career in 2004. The ex-legionnaire does not fear political upheavals during the tournament. US President Donald Trump will clarify everything in advance with FIFA and its head Gianni Infantino so that there are no problems. "It's one of the biggest sporting events. When the Americans host something, they don't want any bad press."

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.