Austria‘s national soccer team will face Serbia in the return leg in March in the fight for promotion back to the top division of the Nations League. This was the result of the UEFA play-off draw on Friday in Nyon.
The Austrians lost direct promotion to League A last Sunday with a 1-1 home draw against Slovenia. The ÖFB selection will play the first leg of the relegation at home on March 20th, the second leg will follow on March 23rd in Serbia.
The Serbs finished their Nations League group in League A in the fall in third place behind Spain and Denmark and left Switzerland behind. The Austrians won the most recent international duel with the team around star striker Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus Turin 2-1 in a test before the European Championships in Germany in Vienna in June.
Home game on March 20th probably in Vienna
The ÖFB must inform UEFA of the venue for the relegation first leg by next Friday (November 29th). In all likelihood it will take place in the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna. The only possible alternative seems to be the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz, which, however, only holds 16,500 and therefore significantly fewer spectators. “The probability is very high that we will play at one of the two locations,” explained ÖFB managing director Bernhard Neuhold.
Team boss Ralf Rangnick’s ÖFB selection was relegated from the A-League of the Nations League in 2022. In League B, after the final draw against the Slovenians, they finished second in the group behind Norway, which meant relegation against a third-place team in the top division. The World Cup qualification for the 2026 finals in the USA, Mexico and Canada does not begin until June at the earliest for Austria. The draw will take place on December 13th in Zurich. The ÖFB team is placed in pot one and escapes Europe’s strongest nations.
What are the key factors that could determine the outcome of the Austria vs. Serbia match in the Nations League play-offs?
### Interview with Sports Analyst Anton Müller on Austria vs. Serbia in the Nations League Play-Offs
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Anton! Thanks for joining us today to discuss the upcoming Nations League play-offs between Austria and Serbia.
**Anton Müller:** Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting matchup, and I’m looking forward to breaking it down.
**Interviewer:** Austria’s national team will face Serbia in the relegation play-offs in March. How crucial is this match for Austria’s soccer future?
**Anton Müller:** It’s incredibly important for Austria. After being relegated from League A last year, the team needs to return to the top tier not only for prestige but also for stronger competition and better rankings in future tournaments. This match will determine whether they can reclaim their spot in League A.
**Interviewer:** The first leg is set for March 20th in Vienna. What impact do you think playing at home will have on Austria’s performance?
**Anton Müller:** Home advantage is significant in soccer. The Ernst Happel Stadium has a strong atmosphere, which can boost the team’s confidence. However, they need to capitalize on this advantage by starting strong and securing a good result to take into the second leg in Serbia.
**Interviewer:** Austria faced Serbia earlier this year and won 2-1. How do you think that previous victory influences the team’s mindset going into this encounter?
**Anton Müller:** That win can provide a psychological edge. The players will have positive memories to draw from, especially since they managed to overcome a talented squad with players like Dusan Vlahovic. However, they must remain focused; every match is different, especially in high-stakes scenarios like a relegation play-off.
**Interviewer:** What do you think about the current state of the team under coach Ralf Rangnick?
**Anton Müller:** Ralf Rangnick is known for his tactical acumen and his ability to build teams. However, the transition can take time, and he has faced challenges since taking over. The team showed good spirit in recent matches, but consistency is key. This play-off will be a true test of his strategies and the team’s resilience.
**Interviewer:** With the looming World Cup qualification tournament, how does this play-off impact Austria’s preparations?
**Anton Müller:** This play-off is vital for setting the tone as they prepare for World Cup qualifiers starting next summer. A successful outing against Serbia would boost their confidence and provide momentum as they look toward future competitions. Conversely, failing to regain League A status might complicate their strategies moving forward.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Anton, for your insights! It sounds like the match will be a nail-biter.
**Anton Müller:** Absolutely! Both teams will be fighting hard, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. It promises to be a thrilling encounter for soccer fans.
**Interviewer:** We look forward to it! Thanks again, Anton.
**Anton Müller:** My pleasure! Let’s see how it unfolds!