Austria National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Alaba · Laimer · Danso · Lienhart · Baumgartner · Sabitzer · P. Wimmer · R. Schmid · Schlager · Seiwald · Pentz

High intensity and a heavy press define how Austria plays. This intent is found in their 2-5-3 formation. The team seeks to win it back high up the pitch and play through the lines quickly. This lineup is built to overwhelm the middle of the park and stretch the defence to create gaps.

Pentz works as the lone goalkeeper to anchor the side. Lienhart and Danso operate as a two man central defensive unit in a high line. Lienhart acts as a ball playing defender who looks to play short from the back to progress through the thirds. Danso uses his aerial strength to win the header and clear the lines when under pressure. They must stay very compact to cover the space behind them if an opponent manages to break the line.

The midfield is a massive engine for this Austria lineup. Alaba and Laimer form a double pivot to shield the defence. Alaba can drop between the centre backs to receive the ball and help play out from the back. Seiwald and Schlager play in the half spaces to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Sabitzer sits as an attacking ten with a great passing range to find the feet of the striker or arrive late into the box. This five man unit ensures they can recycle possession and control the tempo.

The front three provide constant pressure on the opposition back line. Baumgartner works as a pressing centre forward to pin the last defender. R. Schmid and P. Wimmer act as wide wingers who spread wide to stretch the defence. They look to cut inside to create space or deliver a cross on the run to find the striker. The team relies on quick combinations and passing to break the lines.

The primary advantage is the numerical superiority in midfield. Having five players in the central zone allows them to win the second ball easily and compress the midfield. They can also trigger a press in coordinated waves to win it back high up the pitch. This constant pressure makes it very hard for teams to find space or move the ball forward.

Austria utilizes an aggressive high press to control the tempo and dominate the game. This formation works best against teams that struggle to play out from the back under intense pressure.