Austria National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Arnautovic · Baumgartner · Wurmbrand · R. Schmid · Sabitzer · Seiwald · Friedl · Laimer · Danso · Lienhart · Schlager

A high pressing and vertical style of play defines Austria and they use a 5-2-3 formation to control matches. This lineup looks to win the ball back quickly in the opponent half and move the ball forward with speed. The goal is to use width and intensity to overwhelm teams through quick transitions.

Schlager stays between the posts to organize the back line. The defense functions with a back three of Seiwald, Danso, and Lienhart. Danso and Lienhart act as central defenders who provide aerial strength and cover space behind the midfield. Friedl operates as the left wing back to provide width and overlap, while Laimer works as the right wing back to push high up the pitch. This unit stays compact when defending deep and shifts together to block passing lanes.

The midfield relies on a double pivot to connect the defense to the attack. Sabitzer and R. Schmid work in the center to control the tempo and break the lines with their passing. Sabitzer uses his driving runs to move the team forward, while R. Schmid helps to shield the defense and intercept passes. This pairing must be disciplined to prevent counter attacks when the wing backs push high.

The attack features three players who press in coordinated waves. Baumgartner plays on the left as an inverted winger to cut inside and create chances, while Wurmbrand stays wide on the right. Arnautovic acts as the lone striker and holds up the ball to bring others into the play. The forwards work together to force mistakes from the opponent and create space for the midfielders to arrive.

Austria creates several tactical advantages with this lineup. The wing backs, Friedl and Laimer, allow for wide overloads that can isolate defenders in one on one situations. Having three central defenders provides a solid base that makes it hard for opponents to find space centrally. The high press from Baumgartner, Wurmbrand, and Arnautovic allows the team to regain possession in dangerous areas.

This 5-2-3 formation is built for heavy pressing and rapid offensive transitions. It is best suited for matches against teams that try to play out from the back and can be exploited through high intensity.