Austria extends run against Kosovo at sold‑out Happel Stadium
In the sold‑out Happel Stadium in Vienna there is a tense atmosphere as fans of both nations fill the stands. On Sunday at 18 Uhr, the Austrian national team, after the 3:1 win over Israel, face Kosovo. Ralf Rangnick stresses that the home match is especially important.
Background and Significance
The second victory is planned for the second match: both teams have won their opening game in the group, and the duels with Kosovo will likely decide promotion. In the most recent 27 home matches, the Austrian national team has always scored at least one goal, equalising a record that stood from 1935 to 1951.
This brings the current record streak to 15 home matches without defeat. The series will be extended once again, while the last time Austria failed to score at home under Franco Foda was in September 2021, when Austria lost 0:1 to Scotland.
Tactical Instructions and Players
Rangnick expects the match to be even tougher than the one against Israel and calls for creative solutions against Foda’s three‑man backline, which often shifts into a five‑man line. Xaver Schlager, who made his debut under Foda, describes the former coach as very structured and risk‑averse.
Franco Foda returns to Vienna, ÖFB faces a test against Kosovo
Foda relies on a compact system against Kosovo that gives the opponent little time and few gaps. In attack he can choose between Fisnik Asllani (Hoffenheim) and Vedat Muriqi, with Muriqi having scored 23 goals for Mallorca last season before moving to Fenerbahçe.
Final Details and Line‑up
On the Austrian side Michael Gregoritsch is missing due to an ankle injury, but he could be used as an impact sub. Sasa Kalajdzic is viewed with caution because of his injury history; Rangnick stresses that health is the top priority.
Alternative options are Junior Adamu, Marco Grüll or Christoph Lang. Fitness is monitored daily via blood CK levels, and a debutant will stand in goal – the goalkeeper travels on Monday to the U21 team, while Lukas Jungwirth or Christian Zawieschitzky are considered possible candidates.
The expectation is clear: Austria must win, a result the team has earned itself through consistent home strength.