Austria National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Arnautovic · Lazaro · Baumgartner · Grillitsch · Schlager · Sabitzer · Laimer · Prass · Friedl · Trauner · Pentz

Austria focuses on a high press and plays vertically through a 5-2-3. The team wants to win the ball high up the pitch and hit in behind on the transition to catch opponents off guard. By using this formation, the squad aims to squeeze the space in the final third and move the ball forward with speed to bypass the midfield.

Pentz occupies the goal to organize the defense. The back line works as a back five with Grillitsch sitting in the middle to clear the lines and win headers. Trauner and Friedl play as the wide centre-backs to cover the space behind the wing backs and defend zonally. Laimer acts as a right wing back to overlap the winger and provide width on the right, while Prass operates as a left wing back to stretch the defence from the left side.

The midfield consists of a double pivot with Schlager and Sabitzer. Sabitzer uses his passing range to switch play and find teammates in advanced positions, helping to progress through the thirds. Schlager works to win the second ball and covers the space in front of the back five to prevent direct passes. These two players connect the defense to the attack by recycling possession, playing short from the back, and driving the team forward.

In the final third, Austria uses three attackers. Arnautovic plays as a pressing centre-forward to lead the hunt from the front and hold up the ball for others. Baumgartner and Lazaro operate as wide wingers who look to cut inside and create chances in the half spaces. The goal is to create runs in behind or get to the byline to cut it back for the oncoming midfielders who arrive late into the box.

A major advantage for this lineup is the ability to create wide overloads when Laimer and Prass push high. The team also excels at pressing in coordinated waves to force a long ball from the opposition. This allows the squad to win it back high up the pitch and launch a quick attack before the opponent can settle.

This 5-2-3 provides a strong defensive block while maintaining a lethal attacking presence. It is a formation best suited for facing teams that commit many players forward and leave space to exploit on the transition.