Austria National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Alaba · Lainer · Dragovic · Hinteregger · Prödl · Junuzovic · Baumgartlinger · Kainz · Lazaro · Burgstaller · Lindner

A high pressing identity defines Austria and they operate within a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup seeks to win the ball back quickly in the final third to launch immediate attacks. The team relies on intense energy to disrupt the opponent and create chances through high turnover situations.

Lindner guards the goal as the last line of defense. A back three consists of Dragovic, Prödl, and Hinteregger who must remain compact to prevent through balls. Dragovic acts as a central anchor, while Prödl and Hinteregger cover the wider areas of the defensive line. This trio needs to step up together to catch attackers offside or drop deep to protect the space behind them.

The midfield functions as a central engine room using a pair of central midfielders. Baumgartlinger and Junuzovic occupy the middle to shield the defense and break up play. They work to intercept passes and win second balls before they can turn into counter attacks. Alaba and Lainer operate as wide midfielders, providing much needed width and depth. Alaba often pushes high to support the attack while Lainer must track back to help the defense.

In the attacking third, the team employs three forwards to stretch the opposition. Burgstaller leads the line as the lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and run the channels. Kainz and Lazaro play as wide attackers, looking to cut inside or deliver crosses into the box. This trio works to press the opposition backline, forcing mistakes through constant movement and direct running.

Austria gains significant advantages from this specific formation. The wide midfielders like Alaba and Lainer allow for wide overloads when they overlap the attackers. This creates situations where the team can isolate Lazaro or Kainz in one on one battles against full backs. Additionally, the presence of three central defenders provides stability when they sit deep to defend a lead.

This 3-4-3 formation provides Austria with a high intensity pressing game. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.