Austria National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

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

Austria aim to play with a high press and verticality through a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and progress through the thirds quickly. The goal is to use intense running to force turnovers and move the play toward the goal without unnecessary passing.

Pentz guards the goal as the last line of defense. The back three of Lienhart, Friedl, and Danso provides a solid base. Lienhart acts as a ball playing defender to help play out from the back, while Danso is dominant in the air to clear the lines. Friedl provides cover to ensure the team can play a high line. This defensive unit works to maintain a compact block and defend zonally to deny passing lanes.

The midfield uses a central engine to control the game. Seiwald and Sabitzer work as a double pivot to protect the defense. Seiwald focuses on his role to shield the defense, while Sabitzer drives forward with the ball and uses his passing range to connect the defensive and attacking lines. R. Schmid operates as an attacking ten behind the strikers to find the feet of the forwards. Schlager and Laimer provide the width, acting as wide midfielders who can track back or push up to help the attack.

Austria utilizes a two-man partnership in the attacking line with Baumgartner and P. Wimmer. Baumgartner plays as a pressing centre-forward to disrupt the opposition, while P. Wimmer looks to make runs in behind to break the line. These two forwards combine in tight spaces to create chances. Schlager and Laimer stretch the defence by spreading wide to provide service, while R. Schmid looks to arrive late into the box to add an extra layer of threat.

This formation offers clear tactical advantages. The team can create numerical superiority in midfield through the positioning of Seiwald and Sabitzer. Another strength is the ability to press in coordinated waves, using the front three to trigger a press. The wide presence of Schlager and Laimer also allows for quick switches of play to isolate players in one on one situations.

This 3-5-2 formation is perfect for a side that wants to press high and strike on the transition. It is best suited for facing opponents who try to play short from the back and can be caught out of position.