Austria National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Austria aims to play a high press with verticality through a 3-5-2. This formation allows the team to squeeze the space in the middle of the pitch and win the ball back high up the pitch. The lineup focuses on quick transitions to catch the opposition before they can get organized.

Pentz guards the goal while a back three forms the base of the defensive unit. Lienhart acts as the central defender, using his aerial strength and ability to play out from the back. Friedl operates as the left centre-back to provide cover, while Posch plays as the right centre-back. The unit can shift from a back three into a five when defending deep, as the wide midfielders drop to help.

A three-man midfield with a carrier handles the central zone. Grillitsch sits in front of the defence to shield the back line and recycle possession. Laimer works as a box to box player, using his high pressing intensity to disrupt play, while Prass supports the left side. Stöger and Sabitzer operate in the half-spaces as advanced midfielders, often moving between the lines to connect the midfield to the attack.

The attacking front line uses two forwards in a partnership. Wimmer plays as the left striker, often looking to make runs in behind, while Baumgartner plays as the right striker to hold up the ball and link up play. The team creates width through the advanced roles of Stöger and Sabitzer, who can pull wide to stretch the defence. They look to combine in tight spaces and use the runners to hit in behind on the transition.

Austria gains a major advantage through numerical superiority in midfield during the central phase of play. The presence of Grillitsch, Laimer, and Prass makes it difficult for opponents to play through the middle. The team also benefits from the ability to press high in coordinated waves, using the front two and the advanced midfielders to trigger a press.

This 3-5-2 formation relies on high intensity and quick movement to dominate the game. It is best suited for facing teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.