World Cup showdown for ÖFB

“The most important and biggest game of my career!”

Marko Arnautovic at the ÖFB team's final training session(Bild: APA/GEORG HOCHMUTH)

"For me, it's the most important and biggest game of my career," emphasizes Marko Arnautovic ahead of the decisive World Cup qualifier against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday (20:45/live in the sportkrone.at ticker).

The tension is rising! The big showdown will take place on Tuesday at the sold-out Happel Oval, with just one point enough for Austria to secure their first World Cup appearance in 28 years. "Everyone is aware of what's at stake tomorrow," emphasizes Arnautovic.

Whole family in the stadium
It will be another emotional evening for him in Vienna. Arnautovic broke Toni Polster's ÖFB goal record in the 10:0 goal festival against San Marino in October. "That was a great moment for me. But tomorrow, it's another level above that. My whole family will be here and I can't wait to play the game," said the 36-year-old.

Marko Arnautovic at the ÖFB team's final training session(Bild: APA/GEORG HOCHMUTH)

Alaba's wish fulfilled
David Alaba, who has been missing recently, at least took part in the warm-up program at the final training session on Monday. When asked whether the captain would be able to play against the Bosnians, Ralf Rangnick simply said: "David took part in training with the team again today for the first time at his own request. We have complied with this request." However, it is still unlikely that the Real Madrid international will play.

David Alaba was involved.(Bild: APA/GEORG HOCHMUTH)

For the "final" in the World Cup qualifiers, the team boss wants to give his protégés not only the tactical match plan, but also "something in the emotional area". This already led to success in Cyprus, when Alaba really fired up his team-mates with a pre-match dressing room speech.  

Visit from Van der Bellen
Arnautovic, Alaba and Co. also received a great honor on Monday: Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen paid a visit to the ÖFB team. The head of state wished the team good luck for the match against Bosnia. "He said he was proud of us," reveals Arnautovic. The reward will now be the long-awaited World Cup ticket.