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 Austria’s chances of securing promotion in the upcoming Nations League play-off against Serbia?
**Interview with Football Expert Michael Schmidt on Austria vs. Serbia Nations League Matchup**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Michael! Thanks for joining us today to discuss the upcoming match between Austria and Serbia in the Nations League. Let’s dive right into it. Austria recently finished their Nations League campaign in League B and will face Serbia in a crucial play-off. What are your thoughts on how they performed in the group stages?
**Michael Schmidt:** Thanks for having me! Austria’s performance in the recent Nations League was a bit disappointing, especially with their 1-1 draw against Slovenia, which ultimately cost them direct promotion back to League A. They finished second in their group, trailing behind Norway, which means they now have to fight hard in this relegation play-off against Serbia.
**Interviewer:** Right. They’ve won the last match against Serbia in June, but this is a different situation. How significant do you think that victory gives Austria in terms of momentum?
**Michael Schmidt:** That 2-1 win against Serbia does provide a psychological edge. It shows that Austria can compete against strong teams like Serbia, particularly with their talented forward, Dusan Vlahovic. Nevertheless, this is a play-off situation, and the stakes are incredibly high. Austria will need to replicate that performance under pressure, particularly since both matches are crucial for their promotional hopes.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of the venue, it seems likely that the first leg will be held at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna. How important is home advantage in a match like this?
**Michael Schmidt:** Home advantage can definitely play a key role, especially in high-stakes matches. The Ernst Happel Stadium is known for its electrifying atmosphere, empowering the team and potentially intimidating the opposition. If fans can rally behind the national team, it could make a significant difference in providing that extra push.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, Austria’s World Cup qualification isn’t until June. How does this play-off affect their long-term preparations?
**Michael Schmidt:** That’s an interesting point. This play-off is critical not just for immediate promotion but for their overall confidence and identity as a team. A successful outcome could establish a positive trajectory leading into World Cup qualifiers. Conversely, failing to secure promotion could dampen spirits and create pressure heading into those upcoming matches.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely, the pressure is on. any predictions for the outcome of these matches?
**Michael Schmidt:** It’s tough to make predictions, but I would say it could either be a tightly contested match or Austria could lever their home advantage to take a critical first-leg win. Ultimately, the key will be how both teams handle the pressure. Expect a fiercely competitive atmosphere!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Michael! It sounds like we’re in for an exciting few matches. We appreciate your insights!
**Michael Schmidt:** Thank you! I’m looking forward to the games.