Defender Stefan Posch caught the attention of soccer fans watching Austria’s World Cup clash with Spain today, by taking to the field in Los Angeles wearing a black protective face mask.

Posch and Austria are up against La Roja in the round of 32, in what is Das Team’s first appearance in the World Cup knockout stages since 1954.

But before kickoff at SoFi Stadium, many fans were left wondering why the Mainz player was sporting unusual facial protection.

What happened to Posch?

Posch suffered a fractured jaw during Austria’s opening game at the World Cup, a 3-1 win over Jordan in Group J. The 29-year-old was forced off after a heavy collision with the opposing goalkeeper, and subsequent examinations confirmed the injury.

Despite the fracture, Posch avoided surgery, allowing Austria’s medical staff to focus on finding a way to keep him available for the remainder of the group stage.

Why is Stefan Posch wearing a mask?

Posch was finally cleared to play in Austria’s subsequent games in North America, provided he wore a specially designed protective mask intended to shield the injured area.

The mask was designed in Los Angeles and manufactured in Phoenix before being delivered to Austria’s camp in time for the team’s second group-stage game, a 2-0 defeat to defending champions Argentina.

Posch also sported the mask in the Austrians’ final Group J match, a 3-3 draw with Algeria that saw Ralf Rangnick’s side qualify for the knockout stages in second place.

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