Austria National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Arnautovic · Baumgartner · P. Wimmer · R. Schmid · Sabitzer · Seiwald · Friedl · Danso · Lienhart · Laimer · Lucic

Austria plays with a high press and a vertical identity using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is designed to win the ball high up the pitch and transition into attack immediately. The team seeks to use the width of the pitch to stretch the defence and create scoring opportunities through quick movement.

Lucic stays in goal to guard the area. The defensive line consists of a back five where Seiwald, Lienhart, and Danso occupy the central positions. Lienhart and Danso act as the primary central defenders to win the header and clear the lines. Seiwald plays a covering role to protect the zone. Friedl and Laimer function as attacking wing backs. They push high to provide width and frequently overlap the winger to whip it in. The whole unit works to maintain a compact defensive block.

A two-man midfield acts as the link between the defensive and attacking lines. Sabitzer serves as a carrier to drive forward with the ball and progress through the thirds. R. Schmid works to shield the defence and win the second ball in the middle. This pairing is tasked to press in a mid-block and ensure they do not get bypassed in the center. They work to recycle possession and find the feet of the striker.

The attack features three players working in combination. Arnautovic plays as a lone striker who can hold up the ball and pin the last defender. He uses his strength to lay it off to others. Baumgartner and P. Wimmer act as inverted wingers who cut inside to exploit the half-spaces. This movement creates space for Laimer and Friedl to get to the byline. The forwards press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition back line.

This formation provides Austria with significant tactical advantages. The wing backs can create wide overloads by pushing high to overlap the wingers. The team also possesses the ability to win it back high up the pitch through coordinated pressing. This allows the players to break quickly and hit in behind on the transition.

This 5-2-3 formation is built for aggressive pressing and rapid attacking transitions. It is most effective when facing opponents that play a high line and leave space in behind.