Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) and Vice Chancellor and Sports Minister Werner Kogler (Greens) all under the open sky emphasized their hope that the tournament will take a step towards normality after a difficult coronavirus year including postponement of the EM could.
The official farewell was also linked with the hope of a good result for the home team: “At almost every European Championship there is a team that not only fulfills the hopes and dreams of the fans, but even exceeds them,” said Van der Bellen. He hoped that Austria would be this team this time, but didn’t want to put any additional pressure on the players: “My only pressure is my thumbs. I keep my fingers crossed.”
Later curfew from June 10th, EM from June 11th
Kurz added that the past year was marked by renunciation for many – also in professional sport. “It is all the more gratifying that the European Championship is now taking a step towards normality.” For Kogler, the next opening steps, which are set for June 10th, come at exactly the right time. Among other things, the curfew in gastronomy will then be postponed from currently 10 p.m. to midnight. The EM will open on June 11th, the ÖFB team will enter the tournament on June 13th against North Macedonia.
“Funny tongues say we did it because of the EM so that you can follow them together,” said Kogler about the next openings. “That cannot be fully verified, but it cannot be denied either.” In any case, it is good that it is again possible to sit in the guest garden and watch football. And the Minister of Sport also sees opportunities in terms of sport. “The group is not easy. But of course we are betting on you, ”said Kogler in the direction of the players.
Hundreds of passers-by as onlookers
The players in the EM squad marched in the inner courtyard at 27 degrees in dark blue suits and equipped with FFP2 masks. In addition to ÖFB President Leo Windtner, who emphasized the level of performance and quality in the squad, team captain Julian Baumgartlinger also spoke a few words. The person from Salzburg said they wanted to slowly leave the pandemic behind. “I hope that the EM can be a kind of kick start, a fun-loving football festival.” Team boss Franco Foda said: “These are special moments that give the team some energy.”
After taking a photo with the top representatives of the republic, there was still some time for small talk. Chancellor Kurz had the longest talk with David Alaba. Several hundred passers-by had also come to watch the scenery from a distance. When leaving the team bus, the players were occasionally even surrounded by them. It was also possible to take some photos together.
