Austria National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Alaba · Dragovic · Lienhart · Lazaro · Schlager · Seiwald · Laimer · Arnautovic · Baumgartner · Sabitzer · Lucic

Austria plays a high press style with a direct attacking intent. This team uses a 3-4-3 formation to stretch the opposition. The goal is to win the ball in the opposition half and strike quickly. This lineup allows the players to stay compact when defending and spread wide when in possession.

Lucic sits between the defenders to guard the goal. The back line features a three man unit with Alaba, Dragovic, and Lienhart. Providing a great passing range, Alaba acts as a ball playing defender to find teammates in the midfield. Dragovic and Lienhart provide cover and stay deep to stop runners. They defend zonally and try to squeeze the space to prevent through balls. Alaba often steps up to intercept or drive into the middle.

The midfield relies on a central pairing of Schlager and Seiwald to control the center. Schlager plays to shield the defense and win the second ball. Seiwald is a carrier who drives forward with the ball to break the line. Lazaro and Laimer play on the flanks to provide width. They work hard to track back and support the back three when the team sits in a mid block. This group links the defense to the attack by recycling possession or playing through the lines.

Arnautovic operates as a lone striker and target man at the front. He uses his strength to hold up the ball and win the header during aerial duels. Baumgartner and Sabitzer play as inverted wingers. They cut inside to search for space between the lines. Sabitzer uses his intense work rate to press from the front and force a long ball from the opponent. The front three look to hit in behind on the transition or use combination play to reach the byline.

Austria creates tactical advantages through wide overloads. When Lazaro and Laimer push high, they create extra numbers against the opposition full backs. The team can also press high in coordinated waves to win it back high up the pitch. This formation provides speed of transition which catches defenders out of position.

The 3-4-3 formation is built on aggressive pressing and quick vertical movement. It is best suited for facing teams that play a high line or struggle to play short from the back.