Austria National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

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

Austria aims to play a high press and vertical game using a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and move quickly through the thirds. The team wants to squeeze the space and force errors from the opposition to create chances in transition.

Bachmann stays between the posts to command the area and organize the unit. The defense works with a back three consisting of Lienhart, Danso, and Friedl. Lienhart acts as a ball playing defender to start attacks from the back. Danso provides aerial strength and covers the right side, while Friedl acts as a covering defender on the left. The defensive unit holds a high line to keep the team compact.

The midfield functions as a central engine to drive the play. Seiwald and X. Schlager operate as a double pivot to shield the defense and win the second ball. Seiwald uses his work rate to intercept passes and press aggressively, while X. Schlager connects the defensive and attacking lines. Laimer and P. Wimmer work as wide midfielders to provide width. Laimer can carry the ball forward to overlap the winger, and P. Wimmer looks to find the feet of the striker or cut inside. They must track back to ensure the team does not get stretched.

The front line uses three attackers to pressure the opposition. Baumgartner works as a pressing centre-forward to pin the last defender and fight for long balls. R. Schmid and Sabitzer play as wide attackers to stretch the defence. R. Schmid looks to get to the byline and deliver early crosses, while Sabitzer uses his passing range to play through the lines or cut inside to shoot. The movement is designed to create runs in behind and allow for combinations in tight spaces.

One main advantage of this Austria formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. The team can create wide overloads using Laimer and P. Wimmer to push up the flanks. The double pivot provides compactness when defending in a mid-block. This formation allows for incredible speed of transition once the ball is recovered.

This 3-4-3 formation is a high energy system meant for Austria to dominate through intensity. It is best suited for games where Austria can exploit a team that struggles to play out from the back.