Austria National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Austria plays with a high press and vertical identity in a 3-4-3. The team looks to win it back high up the pitch and move the ball forward with speed. This formation is built to press the opponent and hit in behind on the transition. They want to keep the ball in the final third and force errors from the opposition.

Pentz sits in goal to command the area. A back three consists of Lienhart, Danso, and Wöber. Lienhart plays as a ball playing defender to help play out from the back. Danso and Wöber provide cover and are dominant in the air to win headers. They play a high line to squeeze the space and set the offside trap. This defensive unit works together to shift as a block when the ball moves.

The midfield uses a four man formation to control the center and the flanks. Laimer and Prass work as wide midfielders to cover the wide areas. Using his pressing intensity, Laimer disrupts play on the right side to trigger a press. Seiwald and Schlager act as a double pivot to shield the defense. Both players work to win the second ball and recycle possession. They connect the defense to the front three by playing through the lines and carrying the ball forward.

The attack features three players across the front. Baumgartner acts as a pressing centre forward to lead the line. Stöger and Sabitzer play as wide attackers to provide width. Sabitzer often cuts inside from the right to create chances with his passing range. The left winger pulls wide to stretch the defence and look for space. They look to deliver early crosses or use link up play between the lines to find Baumgartner in the box.

This lineup offers great tactical advantages. Austria can use wide overloads when Laimer and Prass push up to support the wingers. The team can also press high in coordinated waves to force a long ball from the opposition. Such movements create opportunities to win the ball high up the pitch and break quickly.

The 3-4-3 formation provides a high intensity style of play. It is best suited for games against teams that try to play short from the back and struggle with heavy pressing.