Revitalised ÖFB team impresses Rangnick with new eleven
The refreshed Austrian national team convinced at the Ernst‑Happel‑Stadium with a commanding 3‑1 against Kosovo and thereby secured sole leadership in Nations‑League‑Group B3. Coach Ralf Rangnick rotated heavily, while assist provider Patrick Wimmer and goal scorer Junior Adamu celebrated their collaboration. The Austrians scored their goals through David Affengruber in the 23rd minute, Junior Adamu shortly after the break and Carney Chukwuemeka in the 61st minute.
New Eleven and Fresh Impulses
Ralf Rangnick introduced six newcomers into the starting eleven compared to the 3‑1 against Israel, including 19‑year‑old goalkeeper Christian Zawieschitzky. Right‑back Nikolas Veratschnig replaced Stefan Posch, while Philipp Mwene took the left‑back position instead of Maximilian Wöber. In central defense David Affengruber played instead of Philipp Lienhart, Paul Wanner took over the central midfield and moved Romano Schmid to the left wing, causing Marco Grüll to lose his place in the starting eleven. Kevin Danso, captain Xaver Schlager, Nicolas Seiwald, Patrick Wimmer and Schmid remained unchanged, while former coach Franco Foda observed the new lineup from the stands.
Early Pressing and Kosovo Reaction
The refreshed Austrian team started the match with high pressing and won the ball already in the opponent’s half, which immediately fired up the fans at the Ernst‑Happel‑Stadium. Kosovo, however, countered quickly; neo‑team captain Vedat Muriqi attempted a goal from seven metres, which was saved by goalkeeper Arijanet Muric. In the 14th minute centre‑back Ermal Krasniqi received a controversial yellow card after a double‑pass attempt against the Danso wall, while Ron Raçi was also cautioned with a yellow in the 22nd minute. The guests’ fan curve spread along the sidelines, while the home crowd increased the volume in the first minutes.
After a corner in the 23rd minute David Affengruber headed the ball powerfully into the far corner, putting Austria ahead for the first time. Shortly after, Ilir Krasniqi blocked a sharp cross with his face, but the chance remained unused, while Seiwald in the same situation could not extend the ball. The VAR reviewed the incident, confirming that no rule violation occurred, so the 1‑0 result stood.
Franco Foda returns to Vienna, ÖFB faces a test against Kosovo
Second Half and Decisive Goals
Just before the break Patrick Wimmer dribbled alone towards goalkeeper Muric after a headed extension from Junior Adamu, but chose to pass into the backroom. Romano Schmid processed the ball too slowly, allowing defender Lumbardh Dellova to block the shot before Wimmer found the perfect back pass to Adamu. Adamu broke through in the penalty area and scored after the halftime gong to make it 2‑0, a goal that further extended the lead. In stoppage time captain Xaver Schlager pushed the midfield forward, played a through ball to Wimmer, who again sent the ball to Adamu, but the result remained unchanged.
In the 61st minute Carney Chukwuemeka increased the score after a quick counter‑attack, securing the ball in the penalty area and finishing confidently. Kosovo reduced the deficit in the 83rd minute with a penalty from Edon Zhegrova, who was brought down in the box. Despite the late consolation, Austria retained control and saw the game out with a comfortable lead.
With the 3‑1 victory the Austrian national team is now sole leader of the Nations‑League‑Division B3 and demonstrates that Rangnick’s rotation strategy works. The team showed at the Ernst‑Happel‑Stadium that fresh impulses and the combination of experienced players and young talents can form a strong whole.