Zadrazil returns fit, wants to spark hype for women's football

Bayern‑legionnaire Sarah Zadrazil has resumed training after a serious knee injury and confirms that she is ready for the upcoming play‑off‑first leg of the Austrian women’s national team against Kosovo on Tuesday at 18 p.m., after her club Bayern Munich gave the green light for the playoffs.

Green Light and First Play‑off Experience

From her club Bayern Munich, the midfielder received the official green light for the playoffs in the jersey of the Austrian national team. In the first leg of the Austrian women’s match against Kosovo she played 30 minutes before the injury forced her out. The return marks her first playing window since the operation.

For the upcoming match on Tuesday at 18 p.m., which will be broadcast live on ORF 1, Zadrazil says she is fit for the starting eleven. The final decision, however, rests with head coach Lars Söndergaard. “I don’t want to take that risk,” she emphasizes, because two full matches for recovery would be too risky.

Before the final training, she talked about her return in the team kit and described the feeling as “a nice feeling, a special moment.” However, she criticised the difficult pitch, which made implementing the game plan harder, and stressed the need to create more goal‑scoring chances.

Tactical Assessment and World Cup Vision

Zadrazil analyses the situation against Kosovo: “I think that Kosovo, despite the deficit, will defend compactly and wait for counters, that’s simply their weapon.” She expects a narrow 1‑goal lead and anticipates that the opponents will only open up towards the end. At the same time, she mentions the possibility of playing at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil: “That would be very cool! We have never been to a World Cup before.”

She reminds that only three matches remain before qualification for the tournament and that every game is decisive. After the Kosovo duel she hopes for a return match against Switzerland, which she describes as a very good opponent. According to Zadrazil, there are hardly any easier opponents left, as every team defends well and has strong players.

Zadrazil emphasises the importance of a World Cup participation for women's football in Austria: “A big event would be extremely important, because I think only that can reignite a hype in Austria.” She points to the increased attention during the recent European Championships and explains that the team will give everything to make history.