Austria confirmed starting lineup vs Spain: Rangnick’s XI for the round of 32 game
Ralf Rangnick moves things around as Austria prepare for a daunting test against Spain in the round of 32.
For the first time in 72 years, Austria have reached the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup, where they will take on Spain in the Round of 32.
A matchup against the European champions promises to be a daunting task. There had been some talk that the Austrians would not be overly bothered about losing their final group game against Algeria, which would have seen them face neighbors Switzerland in the Round of 32 instead.
As it was, Saša Kalajdžić’s 96th-minute equalizer against the North Africans set up a Los Angeles date with Spain, who are seen by many as one of the favorites to win the tournament.
Austria starting XI against Spain
Schlager; Posch, Danso, Alaba, Laimer; Seiwald, Xaver Schlager; Schmid, Wanner, Sabitzer; Gregoritsch.
Mwene injury forces defensive reshuffle
Head coach Ralf Rangnick has been dealt a blow in the form of an injury to left back Philipp Mwene, who would have been tasked with shackling Lamine Yamal. The versatile Konrad Laimer of Bayern Munich then drops back into defense to cover.
Another change at the back sees Tottenham Hotspur’s Kevin Danso return in central defense alongside David Alaba, who recently left Real Madrid.
Wanner and Sabitzer feature
Laimer’s change of position sees youngster Paul Wanner come back into the team as one of three attacking midfielders.
Alongside Alaba (116 appearances) former Bayern Munich and Manchester United man Marcel Sabitzer recently reached a century of appearances for his country and starts his fourth game of the World Cup.
Follow Spain vs Austria live
Spain’s starting XI vs Austria
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