On paper, the ÖFB selection competes against the eleventh in the world rankings as an outsider, but is equipped with the better signs. While Austria one point is enough for promotion Norway win against England after the 8-0 debacle.
This is not an easy task, especially since the defense is the showpiece of the Austrians. At the EM 2017 they only conceded a goal against France, in this finals Manuela Zinsberger only had to reach behind in the 0:1 against England. In seven European Championship games, the ball landed in their own goal only twice. “That speaks for the work of the team,” emphasized ÖFB team boss Irene Fuhrmann.
The hope for a zero result is justified. “What sets us apart is that we defend extremely well as a collective. If we do that, then someone has to score for us first,” said defender Virginia Kirchberger. Northern Ireland didn’t succeed, thanks to a 2-0 win, the ÖFB troop edged up with the same number of points Norway over in second place. “Our starting position is quite good, but we still have to be really excited about the game, give it our all,” said offensive player Julia Hickelsberger-Füller.
The condition of the opponent is completely open. “Of course, such a defeat can leave its mark, I hope they still suffer from it,” said Fuhrmann. But don’t expect too much. “We know that a wounded animal is a very dangerous one. They will do everything to show their true colors. We have to be prepared for a real assault,” said Fuhrmann. And Marie-Therese Höbinger emphasized: “Everything that was is completely secondary.”
The Norwegians fell apart against England after a controversial penalty. Uncharacteristic for a team that had previously won six games in a row and excelled on defense. “I think a lot went wrong from the head,” Fuhrmann suspected. Nothing has changed in their respect for the two-time European champion. A similarly strong offensive trio like Ada Hegerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen, who many in the ÖFB camp describe as an “exceptional player”, and Guro Reit are rare in Europe.
“We know how strong Norway Fuhrmann is aware of the individual extreme quality they have, especially offensively. Defender Carina Wenninger named the one-on-one situations and the speed of the EM permanent guest as great strengths. He wants a second EM out in the group stage in a row. The demands are higher. “They know they come into the game as favourites. Of course you have to, you have more pressure,” stressed Fuhrmann.
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your against Norway still winless team has reached a minimum goal with the “group final”. You don’t want to be satisfied with that. “Everyone wants to get ahead, it doesn’t matter who’s underdog or not. It’s important to put a coherent performance on the pitch,” said Nicole Billa. The Tyrolean didn’t really come into its own on the offensive. The fact that she does a lot of work for the team is just one of the reasons. “She doesn’t get the balls because we don’t use them. The situation isn’t comfortable for her,” Fuhrmann defended her top striker.
Versus Norway she demanded “better quality” for crosses and the last passes. “If we can perform at the limit again and are as error-free as possible, I’m absolutely convinced that we can not only set offensive pinpricks, but also hurt them when pressing,” Fuhrmann looked ahead optimistically. You probably won’t be able to dominate the game. “But we will have periods of possession if we are brave.” Wenninger also demanded that you have to be courageous. And sporting director Peter Schöttel added: “I think we can crack them in defence.”
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Playing 0-0 is not an option. “We want to play to win, because you can’t plan a draw,” said Fuhrmann. Additional motivation is that Germany would wait in the quarter-finals. “That would be cool,” emphasized Sarah Zadrazil, who has already received some messages from club colleagues.
Compared to the recent 2-0, Laura Feiersinger will return to the starting XI. “She is now where we need her,” Fuhrmann praised the Salzburg native. Due to the return of Laura Wienroither, who was ill with Corona, there is also the agony of choice in the right-back position. “She completed the last two training sessions and has no complaints,” reported Fuhrmann. She is also spoiled for choice in central defence, where captain Viktoria Schnaderbeck will probably start alongside Wenninger despite knee problems and a slimmed-down training program.
Source: Nachrichten
