Austria's road to Brazil: 4-0 against Kosovo gives new hope
After the convincing 4-0 victory over Kosovo, the Austrian women's national team got one step closer to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil on Tuesday evening. The success in Vienna allowed the ÖFB eleven to get through the first round of the World Cup playoffs and gives new confidence, although the ticket is not yet secured.
A Convincing Performance in Vienna
In the second leg, Austria displayed a completely different game than the first leg in Prishtina, which was only narrowly won 2-1. The team exploited the wide spaces, combined at times impressively and employed an intense counter‑pressing that repeatedly put the opponent under pressure.
Head coach Lars Söndergaard emphasized after the match: "It certainly feels great that we didn't just win by one or two goals, but 4-0." Defender Sarah Gutmann added: "A result like this gives us strength for the next challenges."
Return of Key Players
After long injury spells, Marie Höbinger and Sara Zadrazil returned to the starting eleven. Höbinger scored the 1-0 with a rebound and was active all over the pitch, while Zadrazil directed the midfield and kept the tempo.
Söndergaard praised Höbinger as a "sunbeam" and highlighted her quick return. He described Zadrazil as an "anchor" because she occupied the number six role and guided the game.
Youthful Impulses and Fresh Energy
The 17‑year‑old Valentina Pötzl made her debut in the starting eleven and added momentum to the left flank with her carefree style. Söndergaard said: "She has earned her place on the pitch, her dynamism is impressive."
Other young players such as Louise Schöffel (24) and the "jokers" Eileen Campbell, who added a goal to the 4-0 result, provided additional pace and crossing abundance.
Strategic Adjustments in the Second Leg
In the second encounter Austria exploited Kosovo's two deep‑lying defensive lines better, because the opponents defended less consistently and left larger spaces. Söndergaard explained: "We knew exactly what awaited us, and we sought width and numerical superiority on the flanks, which generated more pressure and created chances."
Although the result was convincing, the World Cup ticket is not guaranteed; a win against Switzerland, which presents a clear caliber, is still required to secure qualification.