Via Ried to Switzerland? “We see it as a huge opportunity”

RIED. When Austria, number 17 in the FIFA women’s world rankings, hosts Iceland, number 15, today (6 p.m., ORF 1) in the Innviertel Arena in Riede, this explosive European Football Championship qualification duel promises to be a fairly open affair. This is also underlined by the two direct duels (one win each) between the national teams that will probably compete for second place behind Germany in Group A4, which would mean a direct place in the 2025 finals in Switzerland.

A preliminary decision could be made today and in the return match on Tuesday (9.30 p.m., ORF Sport+) in Reykjavik. “We want to go to the EURO – ideally without any detours,” stressed Freiburg striker Eileen Campbell, who was a real hit in the first two elimination matches with a total of three goals against Germany (2:3) and in Poland (3:1). The 23-year-old’s market value is still up to 75,000 euros.

From club colleague to opponent

The most expensive player to step onto the pitch in Ried has an Icelandic passport: Glodis Perla Viggosdottir, “valued” at 200,000 euros, is about to play her 125th international match and is anything but an unknown. The 28-year-old plays alongside Sarah Zadrazil, who is the “best seller” in the ÖFB selection ex aequo with Barbara Dunst at 150,000 euros, for the German champion FC Bayern Munich. Defender Marina Georgieva and Alexandra Johannsdottir are two colleagues from the Italian cup finalists Fiorentina.

It will be an intense fight “on equal terms,” ​​says ÖFB team manager Irene Fuhrmann, who has high praise for the conditions in Ried, where more than 3,500 fans (remaining tickets available at the box office) are expected. “It’s a cool stadium, compact. If we perform to our full potential, the spectators will go along with it. The pitch is also in very good condition,” explained the 43-year-old Viennese, who will probably be able to field a full team. Only Claudia Wenger from St. Ulrich near Steyr has an ankle injury.

Captain and US legionnaire Sarah Puntigam will play her 145th international match, while Nicole Billa will be honored before kick-off for her 100th, which she played in Poland.

“We have to be fully there and wide awake,” emphasised Puntigam. “We see it as a huge opportunity with a view to the EURO. If we come out of these two games with four or six points, things will look good.” Fuhrmann, who has her line-up in mind but is still keeping it secret, knows that too. She will only say this much: “The players have made it difficult for us. I am glad that we have a certain depth in the squad. There are always some disappointed players.”