Lienhart's trump for Austria: mentality in focus of Nations League

On Saturday, the Austrian national football team meets Ireland in the UEFA Nations League at 20:45 on ORF Live, while on Tuesday Israel hosts at the same time, and the team hopes to achieve the group victory.

The team leads the table with eight points and is aiming for promotion to the A‑League. Thus it is in the race for the group win.

Mentality and Come‑back Actions

Defender Philipp Lienhart is in good spirits because the team often fights back in difficult situations and does not give up. “That speaks to the quality of the squad,” the 30‑year‑old said in the ORF interview. Against the “robust Irish” the defense is also challenged.

The Austrians displayed their mentality especially in the finish of the four Nations‑League matches so far, by scoring late, decisive goals and launching comebacks, such as the 2‑2 after being 0‑2 down in Dublin. Lienhart explained that the away game was relatively tough, but in the second half they showed that they can hurt the opponent.

He emphasized that the squad is there in crucial moments and does not give up. “We have a mentality, we don’t give up and we believe in it,” he added. According to Lienhart, this attitude also reflects in training.

Tactically, Lienhart sees the need for a more compact defense to avoid conceding transition moments, and calls for bold ball play as well as creative solutions. After the 0‑2 deficit against Ireland, caused by goals from Troy Parrott, it is important to discuss it at halftime and flip the switch.

Christoph Baumgartner returns after a thigh injury that cost him the World Cup participation, and is expected to make his comeback on Saturday against Ireland. Lienhart describes the Leipzig legionnaire as an incredibly important player who is goal‑threatening both in training and in matches.

In Linz, where the Irish will be hosted, Lienhart has good memories: he scored two of his three international goals there, for example in the 5‑1 win over Norway in 2024 and the 4‑0 success against Kazakhstan. He also recalled a hole in the pitch during the 1‑0 against Cyprus in 2025 and described the small, cramped stadium as suitable.

The report is by Armin Rauthner of GEPA.