Austria National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Laimer · Prass · Posch · Lienhart · Grillitsch · Schlager · Seiwald · Baumgartner · Grbic · Sabitzer · Schlager

Austria focuses on a high press and quick transitions using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and use verticality to catch opponents off guard. By maintaining a high line, Austria intends to squeeze the space and force long balls from the opposition to regain control.

Schlager operates as the goalkeeper to command the penalty area and sweep behind the line. The defensive unit functions as a back five that can shift into a mid-block. Grillitsch holds the central position in the back three to provide aerial strength and cover. Lienhart and Posch act as the wider centre-backs to support the central man and defend zonally. Laimer and Prass act as attacking wing backs who push high to provide width and overlap the winger. Utilizing his high pressing intensity, Laimer helps win the ball back quickly.

The midfield features a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. Seiwald and Schlager sit in front of the back five to shield the defense. Acting as the primary ball winners, Seiwald focuses on intercepting passes and winning the second ball to recycle possession. Schlager works to connect the defensive unit to the attacking lines and carry the ball forward into the half spaces. This pair must stay compact to deny the turn of opposition midfielders and protect the space behind them.

The attack uses three forwards to stretch the defence and create chances. Grbic acts as a pressing centre-forward to pin the last defender and disrupt the build up. Sabitzer and Baumgartner play as wide attackers. Often cutting inside, Sabitzer uses his passing range and ability to strike the ball. Baumgartner looks to make runs in behind to exploit the space left by advancing full backs. Players aim to play through the lines and find the feet of the striker in tight spaces.

One major strength of this Austria lineup is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. The front three and the double pivot work together to trigger a press and win it back high up the pitch. Another advantage is the wide overloads created when Laimer and Prass push up to overlap the wingers. This creates space for Sabitzer and Baumgartner to move into central areas and isolate defenders in one on one situations.

This 5-2-3 formation is built for high intensity pressing and rapid counter attacks. It is best suited for games against opponents that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.