“Of course, two names stand out, two absolute world-class players,” said Baumgartner on Monday at the ÖFB team camp in Vienna. Bale is currently not the first choice at Real Madrid like Ramsey at Glasgow Rangers. “But these are players who have achieved so much, they can flip the switch on day X if it is necessary.”
Bale in particular is always good for decisive actions, and that’s not just known since the 2018 Champions League final, which he almost single-handedly decided. “The left foot is a torch when it comes to an end,” said Baumgartner. “But I am very sure that we have good defenders who can keep him in check.” The 22-year-old expects a dose of physicality from the Welshmen, who are equipped with several current and former players from the English Premier League. “They are used to a certain level of toughness, and there will also be a good atmosphere in Wales. But many of us are familiar with such situations.”
“I have confidence and I’m in good shape”
Baumgartner has scored six goals in 17 international matches – his most important goal so far in the decisive European Championship group game in June once morest Ukraine (1-0). In Germany he recently shone with three goals in four league games. Should there be a penalty shootout in Cardiff and he is on the field, he would be available as a shooter. “I didn’t have the best penalty rate with the U21s, but I have self-confidence and I’m in good shape,” emphasized the Lower Austrian. However, you want to decide the game beforehand.
Everyone is aware of the importance of the game. “It’s regarding everything, it’s the first final game.” The anticipation is huge. “In the weeks leading up to it, you’ve been looking forward to it, now day X is just around the corner. Everyone is extremely excited regarding the game,” assured Baumgartner. Postponing the play-off final once morest Scotland or Ukraine to June may even make it “a tad easier” to put the absolute focus on Wales. “We want to pull this thing on our side – even if it’s going to be very difficult.”
Grillitsch, Trimmel and Lienhart miss the match
The young star is firmly planned in the ÖFB offensive. But he has to do without his club colleague Florian Grillitsch because of a coronavirus infection. “He’s an exceptional player in the way he can open the game,” Baumgartner said. Grillitsch is not only very important for Hoffenheim, where he was “extremely stable” as defense chief, but also for the national team, in which he has been a midfielder since the European Championship. “I’m very, very sorry for him that he can’t be there. But the most important thing is health, he’s doing well so far,” said Baumgartner.
Grillitsch, like ÖFB defenders Christopher Trimmel and Philipp Lienhart, caught the virus at an inopportune time. As a footballer, you would try to protect yourself from infection as much as possible, explained Baumgartner. “But of course we are human. We also go out to eat in a restaurant and try to have a nice evening – especially following the long time you weren’t allowed to do that anyway.” That’s also important for your head.
However, the pandemic is not over, everyone is aware of that despite the easing. “The issue is still there. There is still a risk.” Especially with the currently high number of infections. Baumgartner himself was positive in October. Like all other teams, the ÖFB team has to live with the situation. “We have a lot of quality in the squad,” said Baumgartner. “That’s why we can absorb the failures well.”
