World Cup party postponed

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The big showdown against Bosnia awaits the ÖFB team on Tuesday.(Bild: GEPA)

Despite their 2-0 win in Cyprus thanks to Marko Arnautovic's brace, Austria still have to pick up a point against Bosnia on Tuesday. Despite falling behind early, the ÖFB's opponents beat Romania 3-1 on Saturday evening, allowing Bosnia to advance to the grand final. It is a final that nobody in Austria wanted. But there is no reason for pessimism.

The "Krone" reports from Limassol

"That interests me about as much as when a sack of rice falls over in Beijing." Questions about the criticism from Mircea Lucecscu ("Austria have been playing with the same team for years") were brashly dismissed by Ralf Rangnick the day before kick-off in Limassol: "We're playing against Cyprus, it doesn't matter what the Romanian coach says."

The pressure, the tension was palpable in Austria's team. The suspended David Alaba (his participation on Tuesday is also unrealistic) then addressed the last words to the team on Saturday before kick-off - and they delivered: Marko Arnautovic, who Rangnick had warmed up with a one-on-one, scored a brace, extended his goal record to 47 goals and secured Austria the 2:0 treble in Cyprus. "You could see the energy on the pitch, the whole team was behind every press ball. I'm happy that I was able to help, that's what I'm here for."

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"Compliments to our opponents, they made life difficult for us. But we deserved to win," said a satisfied Rangnick. The relief was huge, but after the euphoric thanks to the 1,700 fans who had made the journey, the jubilation was limited. "Now we can relax and watch Bosnia," said Arnautovic, before the Austrian squad immediately made their way to Paphos airport. Everyone was glued to their cell phones, watching the live stream from Zenica - the mood was dampened shortly after passport control: Dzeko and Co. refused to be shaken off, beating the Romanians 3:1.

As a result, the World Cup party fell through and the final, which the whole of Austria would have loved to have avoided, will take place on Tuesday in the sold-out Happel Oval. A draw against the Balkan footballers is still needed to secure first place in qualifying Group H and finally secure a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

Had it not been for the unnecessary 0:1 in Bucharest and the bitter goal conceded in the 95th minute, the World Cup dream would have been a virtual reality after 28 years. But no matter, no reason to moan or even be pessimistic. Despite the bad experiences in "cut games" in the Rangnick era, such as the round of 16 exit at the EURO against Turkey (1:2). Or the Nations League defeats against Slovenia and then in the play-off against Serbia. This team can handle pressure. Arnautovic and Co. proved that on Saturday with the 2:0 win in Cyprus. The World Cup party has only been postponed, but it won't be canceled. We'll get our World Cup ticket on Tuesday!