The Austrian national soccer team secured an impressive 5:1 victory against Norway in the UEFA Nations League, with Marko Arnautović scoring twice. The match, held at the sold-out Raiffeisen Arena in Linz, marked a comeback for Austria after a previous defeat to Norway. Goals from Philipp Lienhart, Stefan Posch, and Michael Gregoritsch completed the rout. Following this win, Austria aims to secure group victory in upcoming matches against Kazakhstan and Slovenia in November to advance to League A.
On Sunday evening, the Austrian national soccer team celebrated a resounding victory in the UEFA Nations League, triumphing over previously undefeated Norway with a score of 5-1. This impressive display came from a sold-out crowd of 16,500 at the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz, where Marko Arnautović netted two goals alongside contributions from Philipp Lienhart, Stefan Posch, and Michael Gregoritsch. This win served as redemption for Austria following their 2-1 loss in Oslo back in September.
Before the match, Austria’s objectives were clear: securing three points was essential for keeping group victory within reach. Coach Ralf Rangnick made three changes from the team that previously beat Kazakhstan 4-0. Patrick Pentz, Philipp Mwene (returning from suspension), and Marko Arnautović took to the field in place of Alexander Schlager, Alexander Prass (suspended), and Junior Adamu.
Arnautović Finds the Net Early
The game kicked off with both teams showing fierce determination, but Norway’s Erling Haaland had the first significant opportunity, striking the bar with a low shot from the edge of the penalty area (6′). Austria quickly took the advantage when Arnautović received a clever pass from Christoph Baumgartner and scored from the penalty spot, assisted by the crossbar (8′).
Norway Levels Before Halftime
Even with the early lead, the match remained competitive. Baumgartner nearly converted another for Austria from a Marcel Sabitzer cross (11′), while Haaland missed narrowly for Norway (19′). A brilliant save from Norwegian keeper Orjan Nyland kept Baumgartner from scoring again (24′). The visitors equalized in the 39th minute when Alexander Sörloth headed home from a free kick delivered by Julian Ryerson, bringing the score to 1-1. Austria fought back quickly, but Konrad Laimer’s attempt just before halftime was too central for Nyland to save (43′).
A Stellar Performance from Austria
Austria regained the lead shortly after the break when Baumgartner was brought down in the box, resulting in a penalty that Arnautović converted into his second goal of the night (49′). The home team continued their offensive, with Lienhart rising to head in off a corner from Romano Schmid, extending the lead to 3-1 (58′). Less than four minutes later, Stefan Posch followed up with another header from Sabitzer’s precise cross, making it 4-1 (62′).
Gregoritsch Caps Off the Night
Austria dominated the remainder of the match, now fully exploiting Norway’s weakened defense. Nicolas Seiwald nearly added to the scoreline with a header just wide (65′), and shortly after, Michael Gregoritsch, returning from illness, headed in the final goal after a cross from Sabitzer, sealing the game at 5-1 (71′). Norway attempted to respond offensively but could not penetrate Austria’s robust defense, leading to a comfortable win for the hosts.
Coach’s Praise for Team Performance
After the match, Coach Ralf Rangnick expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, noting their resilience after conceding a goal. “We reacted fantastically, and I was particularly pleased we didn’t take our foot off the gas,” he remarked.
Baumgartner echoed this sentiment, highlighting the team’s aggressive and energetic style of play. He confidently stated that they can clinch victories in both upcoming matches to finish top of the group, thereby securing a place in League A.
Aiming for Group Victory
The Austrian national team will be looking to build on this performance in their final two Nations League matches in November. They will face Kazakhstan in Almaty on November 14, followed by a home game against Slovenia at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna three days later. The objective for these matches is clear: two victories to ensure group supremacy and a direct pathway to League A. Despite currently sitting second due to UEFA regulations on tiebreakers, Austria remains optimistic, especially with their superior goal difference and upcoming matches that could alter the standings significantly.
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