In the first knockout game for an ÖFB team at a major tournament since the 1954 World Cup, there is no need for an additional boost of motivation. At least in team dress, the players against Italy can look forward to the biggest game of their career so far. It can therefore be assumed that David Alaba and colleagues will display the same mentality as in the last group game against Ukraine. “I think it doesn’t matter whether you’re 20, 32 or 25 – an event like this, being in the round of 16 in a tournament like this, is something really big,” said Marko Arnautovic, commenting on the team’s anticipation of the game.
As a reward for reaching the round of 16, the ÖFB team not only has a showdown with the four-time world champion and one of the currently best national teams, but also the right backdrop. Wembley Stadium in the Bent district of London is one of the top addresses in world football. The downside for the ÖFB team is that there will be hardly any Austrian fans in the stadium due to the CoV regulations. The ambience and the history of the football temple alone should drive the players to top performance.
There is only something to be won
The ÖFB players shouldn’t be intimidated by the size of the task – on the contrary. The starting position before the game should be used as an opportunity. In a duel against a team that is currently running a historic run and has not conceded a goal in 1,055 minutes, there is nothing to lose. The team has to trust its strengths and just go for it, because there is only something to be won against Italy. Respect, yes, but freezing like the rabbit in front of the snake is not appropriate.
Confident national team ahead of the European Championship round of 16
Austria’s national team fights against Italy in London on Saturday for a place in the European Championship quarter-finals. The home team is considered an outsider, but still pays off opportunities.
Because Austria’s national team also made it into the knockout phase with six points from three games as the sixth best team of the 16 round of 16 players. A record that is impressive. Victories against North Macedonia and Ukraine contrasted with defeat against the Netherlands. Against “Oranje”, the ÖFB selection showed an ambitious, but too flawed performance. Lessons were drawn from this, however, and implemented in the last group game against Ukraine in Bucharest.
Ball security as a decisive factor
Courage, courage in possession and self-confidence are also three very important cornerstones that are essential in the duel against the Italians to deliver a surprise. In the group stage, the ÖFB team was the second best team after the Netherlands (155) with 152 ball wins. In terms of tackles, Austria is only behind Germany with 26 (29). However, it is also important to avoid light ball losses. With 81 percent of passes, Austria is in 15th place out of 24 teams after the group stage and has room for improvement.
Passport security will be a crucial factor. Against the aggressive Italians, a ball is lost faster than a toddler on the beach in Jesolo. Then the “Squadra Azzurra” switches quickly and purposefully. The more Austria is in possession of the ball, the less the opponent can show his qualities. It will therefore be important that the ÖFB team also brings calm into the game so as not to be exposed to constant pressure that inevitably leads to goals conceded. Austria’s “sixes” will play an important role as a pacemaker. A position that Florian Grillitsch fulfilled flawlessly against Ukraine.
Efficiency and concentration in the end
Ultimately, however, it is also important to create and of course use scoring opportunities. Against the Italian defensive bulwark – in which captain Giorgio Chiellini is expected to be missing – opportunities will not arise every minute. Concentration and efficiency in the conclusion will be in demand like never before. Even standard situations or the courage to perform individually are a means to an end against Italy. After the “Sole of Bucharest”, the “Solo of London” would fit in quite well with the ÖFB story.
In any case, the Austrian national team will need an exceptional performance in all areas in order to add another chapter to the EM 2020 adventure. The ÖFB team can tackle this task without pressure, because history was already written when they made it to the round of 16. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that there will soon be an entry in the ÖFB annals stating that the “Wembley miracle” succeeded on June 26, 2021 against the huge favorites Italy.
