Austria National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Prass · Danso · Lienhart · Laimer · Grillitsch · Schlager · Seiwald · Baumgartner · Wimmer · Sabitzer · Bachmann

Austria aims for a vertical and direct style of play through a 5-3-2 formation. This lineup is built to defend deeply and strike with speed during transitions. The Red Devils look to absorb pressure before hitting the opposition with quick passes to the forwards.

Bachmann stays in goal to manage the defensive line. The unit operates with a back five, using a combination of three central defenders and two wing backs. Grillitsch holds the central position to anchor the defence. Lienhart and Danso operate as the wider centre backs, with Danso using his aerial strength to win headers and Lienhart providing cover. Laimer and Prass act as attacking wing backs, pushing high to provide width and overlap the front line. They must track back to maintain a compact defensive block when the team loses the ball.

The midfield consists of a three man unit featuring a central attacking ten. Sabitzer operates in the advanced role, using his passing range to find teammates between the lines. Seiwald and Schlager form the deeper layer to protect the centre. Focusing on shielding the defence and winning the second ball, Seiwald provides stability while Schlager works to carry the ball forward and connect the defence to the attack. This unit aims to squeeze the space and intercept passes in the middle of the pitch.

Austria uses two forwards in a partnership to attack the opposition. Baumgartner and Wimmer lead the line, often looking to exploit space behind the defenders. He is known for making runs in behind to stretch the defence, while Wimmer works to link play with the midfield. The attacking movement relies on the wing backs, Laimer and Prass, to push up and deliver crosses from the wide areas. They aim to hit in behind on the transition and use cutbacks to create scoring chances.

The tactical advantages of this formation include a high level of compactness when defending in a mid block. Another strength is the speed of transition, as the team can move from a defensive position to an attacking one in seconds. This allows for wide overloads when Laimer and Prass join the attack.

This 5-3-2 formation relies on defensive solidity and rapid counter attacks. It is best suited for facing opponents that control possession and play with a high defensive line.