Austria's restart in Linz vs Israel reaches stage despite Klopp stir

On Thursday evening in Linz the restart of the Austrian national team against Israel takes place, while the hype around the debut of head coach Jürgen Klopp (59) against the Netherlands in Amsterdam continues. The match is being played as part of the Nations League and is already in the spotlight.

Historical encounters shape the duel

The biggest matches between Austria and Israel remain unforgettable. On 12 November 2021 Bundesliga professional Louis Schaub (m.) in Klagenfurt turned the game from 0‑2 into a 3‑2 victory, before the ÖFB eleven eventually won 4‑2. Photo: Imago Freistadt in Upper Austria, which currently counts among the most tightly secured places in Europe, hosts the Israeli team ahead of the Nations League encounter in Linz.

Security measures and political tensions

The Vienna Kronen‑Zeitung reported a high‑security sector in the Israeli quarter of Freistadt, with circling helicopters over the team hotel and two police officers as personal protection for each Israeli player. Statements from the Icelandic coach Heimir Halgrimsson, quoted by The Irish Times, illustrate the political pressure: “We do not play with the genocide, we play against the genocide. We play against Israel, we do not play with Israel.”

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In Linz an anti‑Israel demonstration is expected on Thursday in front of the stadium of the Champions League newcomer LASK, further burdening the already tense atmosphere.

Sportingly the last four encounters remain in memory. In March 2019 a 1‑0 win by record scorer Marko Arnautovic in the Euro qualifying match led to a 2‑4 result for the ÖFB. The return leg on 10 October 2019 ended 3‑1 for Austria, while a 2‑5 defeat at Haifa Stadium in 2021 shaped the World Cup qualification.

Late drama sees Austria edge Israel after Schmid’s early lead

Further memories include a 4‑2 victory in Klagenfurt and the elimination in the play‑offs for the 2022 World Cup against Wales. In the qualification for the Asian World Cup 2002, Austria recorded a 2‑1 win over Israel on 28 March 2001 in Vienna.