Austria

Austria have quietly become one of the most respected teams in European football, and it is no accident. Under Ralf Rangnick — the godfather of modern pressing football — they have been transformed into an intense, organised, relentlessly aggressive side that suffocates opponents and counter-attacks with venom. At Euro 2024 they topped a group containing France and the Netherlands, a statement of just how far this team has come.

The Rangnick Identity

Rangnick's Austria are the purest expression of his footballing philosophy: high pressing, vertical attacking, and total commitment to the collective. Every player knows their role, the structure is immaculate, and the energy is unrelenting. It is a style that makes Austria deeply uncomfortable to play against, regardless of the opposition's reputation.

The squad has quality to match the system. David Alaba, if fit, brings world-class experience and leadership from the back. In midfield, the engine room of Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer provides the running power and quality the press demands, while Christoph Baumgartner offers intelligent movement and goals from advanced positions. Up front, the experienced Marko Arnautović remains a handful for any defence.

Group J: Built for an Upset

Austria were drawn into Group J alongside reigning champions Argentina, Algeria, and debutants Jordan. Argentina will be heavy favourites to top the group, but Austria's discipline and pressing make them strong contenders for the crucial second spot — and exactly the kind of side the favourites would prefer to avoid.

If there is a question, it is whether Rangnick's high-intensity approach can be sustained across a long tournament in the North American summer heat. But few teams are better drilled or harder to break down.

Nobody's Easy Game

Austria will not be among the pre-tournament favourites, but they are the definition of a dangerous outsider — well-coached, tactically fearless, and capable of beating anyone on their day. In a knockout tournament, that makes them a team to watch closely. Follow every Austria match live on KickD.