The German coach celebrates Austria’s first World Cup appearance since 1998. The coach is helped by a lucky charm, while record player Arnautovic makes curious suggestions.
When Vienna’s historic triumph was complete, Michael Gregoritsch fell to his knees. Austria’s goal scorer buried his face in his hands before numerous teammates rushed over and threw themselves on him, beaming with joy.
For the first time since 1998, the Alpine republic is returning to the World Cup. It is the highlight so far in the era of German coach Ralf Rangnick, who was “exhausted” but happy after the decisive 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The 67-year-old coach took a deep sip of cola during the press conference to replenish his energy reserves after an intense group final with an early deficit and a disallowed video evidence goal. “Very high, very high,” is how Rangnick ranked his first World Cup appearance. “It feels just like all the promotions or the cup win with Schalke. Logically, it’s on the same level.”
It was probably for moments like this that the former Bundesliga coach even turned down FC Bayern in May 2024.
Early shock from Tabakovic
During the game, he kept his lucky charm, a mini replica of the World Cup trophy, in his left trouser pocket. “Thank God it did its job.” However, Rangnick had to endure a long period of anxiety at the Ernst Happel Stadium before his team secured the draw they needed to win the group. Gladbach’s Haris Tabakovic (12th minute) had given the visitors, coached by former HSV professional Sergej Barbarez, an early lead with a header. It was only substitute Gregoritsch (77th minute) who saved the ÖFB team’s direct qualification. “By far the most beautiful goal of my career,” the former Bundesliga striker commented on ServusTV about his goal from a few meters out. “There’s no better feeling. It’s unbelievable! We did it, we made history.“ Then the celebrated hero broke off the interview with a smile: ”I’m sorry, I have to celebrate!“
Arnautovic with ”message to the government“
In front of their red and white fan curve, the players posed with a poster (”World Cup 2026: Das crazy oida!“), and danced to Austropop classics such as ”I Am From Austria“ and ”Strada Del Sole“ in the locker room. Former Bremen player Marko Arnautovic suggested on ORF in a ”message to the government“ that November 18 be declared a national holiday, ”because we’ll probably never experience this again.” After the World Cup, “Arni” will be gone, he added. Going to the tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico next summer means “everything” to his players, Rangnick explained. For the generation around 33-year-old star player David Alaba, which also includes 36-year-old record international Arnautovic, it was their last chance.
“I’ve been living in Austria again for three years now and have of course noticed how much people identify with this team,” said Rangnick, who took over as head of the ÖFB in the summer of 2022. “That’s why I’m happy for every Austrian that we’ve managed to qualify again after 28 years.” Back then, the stars in former team manager Herbert Prohaska’s team were Toni Polster, Andreas Herzog, and Michael Feiersinger. After the preliminary round, they left France without a single win. That was a long time ago. Rangnick’s World Cup prediction: “If we are complete…” Rangnick believes the current team can do better than the old heroes. “If we’re at full strength, I believe we have a good chance of advancing from the group stage at the World Cup.” At the last European Championship, Rangnick had to do without key players such as Alaba and Leipzig’s Xaver Schlager. After a strong preliminary round, the team’s journey came to an end in the round of 16 against Turkey (1-2).
“I’m now looking forward to the trip to Washington for the draw, and then we’ll see who we get,” said Rangnick. The Austrians’ ball will be in pot 3 on December 5, so they are likely to face some tough opponents. But after the magical night in Vienna, that was just a side note.