Austria National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Prass · Laimer · Posch · Lienhart · Grillitsch · Seiwald · Baumgartner · Sabitzer · Wimmer · R. Schmid · Pentz

Austria wants to dominate the game through a high press in this 2-5-3 formation. This lineup is built to play a very vertical style of football. The goal is to win the ball high up the pitch and attack the opponent before they can settle. This formation forces the opposition into mistakes by squeezing the space.

Pentz guards the goal as the lone goalkeeper. Lienhart and Posch form a central pairing that operates in a high line. These two central defenders must stay sharp to set the offside trap and cover the large space behind them. Lienhart is a ball playing defender who helps play out from the back, while Posch uses his aerial strength to win the header during defensive transitions. They must work together to defend zonally and prevent any direct runs through the middle.

A central midfield of five players sits behind the attack. Prass and Laimer act as a double pivot to shield the defense. Laimer uses his intense pressing to trigger a press whenever the ball enters his zone. Seiwald and Grillitsch act as two tens in the half spaces to connect the defensive and attacking lines. They work to recycle possession and switch play to the wings. Sabitzer sits in the hole as an attacking ten to drive forward with the ball. Sabitzer uses his passing range to split the defense with a through ball.

The attacking front line consists of three players. Wimmer and R. Schmid act as wide wingers who want to stretch the defense. They often pull wide to receive the ball and then look to cut inside or get to the byline to whip it in. Baumgartner plays as a pressing centre forward to pin the last defender. Baumgartner makes sharp runs in behind to catch the opposition off guard. The team looks to combine in tight spaces and hit in behind on the transition.

One major advantage for Austria is the numerical superiority in midfield. With five players, they can easily control the center and win the second ball. Another strength is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. This forces the opponent to go direct and play long balls, which the central defenders can easily intercept. This high pressure creates many chances to win it back high up the pitch.

This 2-5-3 formation is a bold way to play aggressive football. It is best used when the team needs to overwhelm a side that likes to build play short from the back.