Football World Cup Qualifiers: ÖFB Team Only Needs a Point Against Bosnia

"The boys are highly motivated, we are all highly motivated and can hardly wait for this game to be played," says ÖFB team coach Ralf Rangnick before the qualification match for the 2026 Football World Cup on Tuesday (8:45 PM/live on Servus TV). When asked if the duel with Bosnia is the most important of his tenure, the German replied: "It is definitely the most important game since the EURO."

Alaba's Participation in Football World Cup Qualifier Against Bosnia Uncertain

Rangnick also left open whether David Alaba's participation is possible. The team captain was on the field for the first time in this training camp during the final session. "He participated at his own request and completed parts of the training. We complied with this request." Just like Austria's lineup, there are still question marks regarding Bosnia's lineup. It is not insignificant whether the guests will start with Dzeko and Haris Tabakovic, and thus with two strikers, or rely on Dzeko as a solo striker. "Both are possible, and we are prepared for both," said Rangnick. "If they start with two strikers, they will try to operate with many balls from the outside." However, the focus on one's own strengths and utmost concentration is important regardless. "What matters is that we are in the here and now tomorrow," warned Rangnick. One must be good in transition situations and take advantage of them.

Only One Loss for the ÖFB Team in the Last 16 Home Games

The statistics clearly favor Rangnick's team. In six matches against Bosnia, there have been two wins, three draws, and only one loss with a goal difference of 6:4. Of their last 16 home international matches, the ÖFB team has lost only one - 2:3 in the European Championship qualification on October 13, 2023, against Belgium. In the event of a victory, Austria would very likely be in pot two for the World Cup group draw on December 5 in Washington; with a draw, they would probably slip into the third pot. Should they suffer a defeat, they would have to go to the play-off next March, which will be drawn on Thursday.

Arnautovic Before Football World Cup Qualifier Against Bosnia: "Biggest Game of My Career"

Marko Arnautovic left no doubt about the significance he attaches to the decisive World Cup qualification match against Bosnia. "For me, it is the most important and biggest game of my career," explained the ÖFB record team player and record goal scorer on Monday at the final press conference. In his most recent appearance at the Prater a month ago, Arnautovic scored four goals in the 10:0 win against San Marino, surpassing Toni Polster as the most successful national team goal scorer. "That was a great and beautiful moment, but tomorrow is another level above," said the 36-year-old. "My whole family is here. I can hardly wait to play this game."

World Cup Qualifier Against Bosnia: Austrian Team "Will Give 100 to 120 Percent"

One must go into the match "with positive energy," demanded Arnautovic. "Everyone is aware of what this game means. I am quite sure the team will give 100 to 120 percent. We are going into the game to win." The fact that a not insignificant portion of the nearly 50,000 spectators might be in the Bosnian camp does not concern the Viennese at all. "The fuller the stadium, the better," emphasized Arnautovic, who, along with his colleagues, received encouragement from Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen on Monday. "It is something great and beautiful that the president comes to us and talks a bit with us. He told us that he is very proud of us and that we should make sure to go to the World Cup," said the 129-time Austrian team player (47 goals).

A Lot of Political Prominence at Austria's World Cup Qualifier Finale

A lot of political prominence is expected at the decisive World Cup qualifying match of Austria's national football team on Tuesday against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Vienna's Happel Stadium. Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler, Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer, Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, State Secretary for Sports Michaela Schmidt, and Vienna's City Councilor for Sports Peter Hacker have announced their attendance.

Additionally, Bosnia's Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic and Defense Minister Zukan Helez are expected at the Prater Oval. Furthermore, seats are reserved for scouts from Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Karlsruhe, Trabzonspor, and Genoa. The Austrian Football Association requests timely arrival using public transportation. Ticket and security checks would "take some time," according to the association. Traveling by car is expected to result in significant delays due to construction around the Happel Stadium.

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(APA/Red)

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