Prepare for the upcoming match as we delve into Austria’s squad ahead of their clash with Argentina. Under the leadership of Ralf Rangnick, known for his high-pressing tactics, Austria is eager to make a strong mark in their first World Cup appearance since 1998, following three consecutive qualifications for the European Championships.
As we anticipate the kick-off, let’s listen to the official Austria World Cup anthem, which my colleague Daniel Harris shared with me. It’s quite an upbeat track, to say the least.
Argentina’s starting lineup includes: E. Martínez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernández, Almada; Messi, Lautaro Martínez.
Substitutes for Argentina are: Musso, Senesi, Tagliafico, Montiel, Paredes, Barco, Álvarez, Lo Celso, Rulli, Palacios, González, Simeone, Paz, Otamendi, Lopez.
Austria’s squad features: A. Schlager; Posch, Danso, Alaba, Laimer; Seiwald, X. Schlager; Schmid, Sabitzer, Wanner; Gregoritsch.
The bench for Austria includes: Affengruber, Arnautović, Grillitsch, Wiegele, Pentz, Kalajdzic, Lienhart, Mwene, Chukwuemeka, Ljubicic, Wimmer, Prass, Friedl, Svoboda, Schopf.
Austria’s historical rivalry with Germany means they may not mind if Messi finds the net today, potentially surpassing Miroslav Klose’s record for World Cup goals. However, with Rangnick at the helm, the Austrian team bears a significant German influence, featuring many players from the Bundesliga.
Apart from conceding a careless goal to tournament newcomers Jordan, Austria showed considerable promise in their opening match. However, a loss today would complicate their situation, leading to a tense final group game against Algeria where they would need to secure qualification for the knockout stages. In a few hours, the other two teams in Group J will face off in San Francisco.
Welcome to the first round of World Cup action this Monday. The defending champions are set to compete in Texas against Ralf Rangnick’s Austria in a match that may well determine the leader of Group J. Attention will be on Argentina and Lionel Messi, who dazzled with a hat-trick in their opener against Algeria last week. A single goal today would make him the sole record holder for most goals in World Cup history.
Messi’s past couple of weeks have been challenging, as his family disclosed last Thursday that his father Jorge is undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed ailment. An Argentinian TV presenter resigned after incorrectly announcing Jorge’s death. Throughout the opener in Kansas City, Messi showed signs of emotion, but he now has an opportunity to further cement his legacy in Dallas today.
Austria boasts a notable veteran forward in Marko Arnautovic, who finally found the back of the net 112 minutes into their opening 3-1 victory over Jordan. After coming on as a substitute at half-time, the 37-year-old had a goal ruled out and caused an own goal before converting a penalty to secure the win.
The match at Dallas Stadium kicks off at noon local time, which is 6 PM BST and 3 AM AEST. Feel free to reach out to me via email.
