The German coach is celebrating Austria’s first World Cup appearance since 1998. The coach relies on a lucky charm, while record-holder Arnautovic makes some unusual suggestions.
When Vienna’s historic triumph was sealed, 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 top of him, beaming with joy.
For the first time since 1998, the Alpine nation is heading to a World Cup. It marks 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 and Herzegovina.
The 67-year-old coach took a deep swig of Coke during the press conference to recharge his batteries after an intense group-stage finale that featured an early deficit and a goal disallowed following a video review. “Very high up, way up there,” Rangnick said of what is his first World Cup appearance. “It feels just like all those promotions or the cup victory with Schalke. Logically, it’s on the same level.”
It was likely for moments like these that the former Bundesliga coach had even turned down FC Bayern in May 2024.
Early shock from Tabakovic
During the game, he kept his good-luck charm—a miniature replica of the World Cup trophy—in his left pants pocket. “Thank God it did its job.” However, Rangnick had to hold his breath for a long time at Ernst Happel Stadium until his team forced the draw they needed to win the group. Gladbach’s Haris Tabakovic (12th minute) had given the visitors—coached by former HSV pro Sergej Barbarez—an early lead with a header. It wasn’t until substitute Gregoritsch (77th minute) scored that the Austrian national team secured direct qualification.
“By far the most beautiful goal of my career,” the former Bundesliga striker told ServusTV about his goal from just a few meters out. “There’s no better feeling. This is unbelievable! We did it; we made history.” After that, the celebrated hero cut the interview short with a smile: “I’m sorry, I have to celebrate!”
Arnautovic with a “Message to the Government”
In front of their red-and-white fan section, the players posed with a sign (“World Cup 2026: That’s crazy, man!”); in the locker room, they danced to Austropop classics like “I Am From Austria” and “Strada Del Sole.” 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 for good, he added.
Qualifying for the tournament in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico next summer means “everything” to his players, Rangnick explained. For the generation centered around 33-year-old star player David Alaba—which also includes 36-year-old Arnautovic, the record-holder for most national team appearances—it was their last chance.
“I’ve been living in Austria again for three years now, and of course I’ve noticed just 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 on former head coach Herbert Prohaska’s team included Toni Polster, Andreas Herzog, and Michael Feiersinger. They left France winless after the group stage. That was a long time ago.
Rangnick’s World Cup prediction: “If we’re at full strength…”
Rangnick believes the current team can perform better than the heroes of the past. “If we’re at full strength, then I believe we have a good chance at the World Cup of advancing from the group stage, at the very least.” At the last European Championship, Rangnick had to do without key players such as Alaba and Leipzig’s Xaver Schlager, among others. After a strong group stage, their run 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’re drawn against,” said Rangnick. Austria’s name will be in Pot 3 on December 5, so they’re likely to face some tough opponents. But after that magical night in Vienna, that was just a footnote.