As I watched Austria's stunning 3-2 victory over Germany last November, I couldn't help but marvel at how far this team has come. Having followed European football for over two decades, I've witnessed Austria's transformation from perennial underdogs to genuine contenders, and frankly, it's one of the most compelling stories in international soccer right now. The Austrian national team's recent performances have been nothing short of remarkable, and what particularly stands out to me is how they've managed to build such a cohesive unit despite the challenges that often plague national teams.
I remember thinking back to their disappointing Euro 2020 campaign, where they failed to advance beyond the round of 16, and contrasting that with their current form – it's like watching a completely different team. Their qualification campaign for Euro 2024 has been particularly impressive, with the team securing six wins from their first eight matches. What's fascinating to me is how head coach Ralf Rangnick has implemented his high-pressing system so effectively, something I've rarely seen national teams accomplish with such consistency. The way Austria plays reminds me of watching peak Liverpool under Klopp – relentless, organized, and incredibly demanding physically.
When I analyze their key players, Marcel Sabitzer immediately comes to mind as the engine of this team. Having followed his career since his RB Leipzig days, I've always believed he was underrated at Bayern Munich, and his performances for Borussia Dortmund have proven exactly why Rangnick builds the team around him. Then there's Christoph Baumgartner, who I consider one of the most intelligent attacking midfielders in the Bundesliga. His movement between lines is absolutely brilliant, and his record of scoring in seven consecutive international matches earlier this year was simply phenomenal. Defensively, I'm particularly impressed with Kevin Danso – his physical presence and reading of the game have transformed Austria's backline.
Their recent success isn't just about individual talent though. What strikes me most is their collective resilience. I was watching their match against Sweden recently where they came from behind to win 2-1, and the character they showed was reminiscent of traditional tournament teams. This mental strength makes me believe they could surprise everyone at the upcoming European Championship. Their current FIFA ranking of 12th might actually undersell their true capabilities – in my assessment, they're playing like a top-10 side right now.
The transformation under Rangnick has been extraordinary. I recall speaking with some Austrian football journalists last year who were skeptical about his appointment, but the results speak for themselves. Austria has won eight of their last ten competitive matches, scoring 22 goals in the process. Their 4-1 demolition of Azerbaijan last month demonstrated exactly how devastating they can be when everything clicks. Watching their progression reminds me of what coach Taka Minowa said about making up for lost ground after disappointing losses – Austria seems to have taken that philosophy to heart, using their past failures as fuel for their current success.
What really excites me about this Austrian team is their style of play. They're not just winning – they're doing it with an attractive, front-foot approach that's rare in international football. The energy they display, particularly in the first halves of matches, often overwhelms opponents. I've noticed they've scored 65% of their goals before the 60-minute mark, which shows how effectively they implement their game plan from the opening whistle. Their pressing statistics are among the best in European qualification, with an average of 18.3 high turnovers per game.
Looking ahead, I genuinely believe Austria could be the dark horse of Euro 2024. While everyone's talking about France, England, and Germany, this Austrian team has the discipline, system, and individual quality to cause serious problems for any opponent. Their group stage performance, where they accumulated 19 points from their first eight matches, demonstrates remarkable consistency. Having watched international football for years, I can usually spot teams that are built for tournament success, and Austria checks all the right boxes. They might not have the superstar names of other nations, but their collective strength and tactical identity make them one of the most intriguing teams to watch in the coming years.