VIENNA – Austria’s national football team continued its impressive form with a 1-0 victory over South Korea on Tuesday at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, extending their unbeaten run at home to a record-breaking 13 matches. The win, secured by a 48th-minute goal from Marcel Sabitzer, serves as a significant confidence boost as the team prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match, played before a crowd of 35,300, marked Austria’s second test match of the year, following a dominant 5-1 win against Ghana just four days prior. This victory isn’t just about the result; it’s about the momentum Ralf Rangnick’s squad is building as they head into a crucial period for Austrian football.
Sabitzer Strikes for Historic Win
Marcel Sabitzer’s goal, a crucial strike early in the second half, proved to be the difference-maker. The goal came after a well-placed pass from Stefan Posch, slightly touched by Christoph Baumgartner, found Xaver Schlager, who delivered a perfect assist to Sabitzer. The goal not only secured the win but as well cemented a new national record for consecutive home games without a loss – a testament to the team’s growing resilience and tactical discipline.
Wanner Earns Start, Svoboda Reintegrates Seamlessly
Team coach Ralf Rangnick opted for a slightly altered lineup, giving Paul Wanner his first start after an impressive debut against Ghana. Wanner partnered with Xaver Schlager in defensive midfield, while Konrad Laimer occupied the right-back position, mirroring his role at Bayern Munich. The defensive line remained consistent with Marco Friedl and Phillipp Mwene, and Marko Arnautovic led the attack. Patrick Pentz maintained his position in goal.
The reintegration of Venezia’s Michael Svoboda into the squad has also been smooth, despite a lengthy layoff due to a cruciate ligament injury that kept him sidelined for almost all of 2025. Svoboda reportedly delivered strong performances in both recent matches, though a single misplaced pass against South Korea did create a dangerous opportunity for the visitors. “That one mistake shouldn’t have happened, but I played quite well,” Svoboda said, according to reports.
Svoboda emphasized the welcoming atmosphere within the team, stating, “It’s always fun with this group. When you’re new, it feels like you’ve been part of the team for years. The older players have a huge part to play in that.” This sense of camaraderie appears to be a key factor in Austria’s recent success.
South Korea Poses Early Threat
South Korea, featuring Austria-based player Lee Tae-seok in their starting lineup, demonstrated early attacking intent. Captain Son Heung-min nearly opened the scoring in the first minute, but his shot was blocked. Son continued to be a threat, but his 16th-minute attempt lacked accuracy. Despite Austria’s dominance in possession, they struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half, mirroring some of the challenges they faced against Ghana.
The Korean side proved to be the more dangerous team in the opening stages, forcing Patrick Pentz into action with a save from a header by Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae in the 38th minute. The Austrian defense, however, remained largely resolute, preventing South Korea from capitalizing on their opportunities.
Looking Ahead to the World Cup
With the victory secured, attention now turns to the upcoming World Cup. Svoboda acknowledged the competitive landscape, stating, “The hope is, of course, there. Let’s see what happens in May; the competition is fierce.” The May selections will be critical as Rangnick finalizes his squad for the tournament.
This win against South Korea, coupled with the impressive performance against Ghana, provides a solid foundation for Austria’s World Cup aspirations. The team’s record-breaking home form and the seamless reintegration of key players like Svoboda suggest they are well-prepared to compete on the international stage. The challenge now is to maintain this momentum and translate it into success when the World Cup begins.
Austria’s next confirmed fixture is yet to be announced, but details will be released by the ÖFB (Austrian Football Association) in the coming weeks. Fans can follow the team’s progress and receive official updates through the ÖFB website and social media channels.
