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.
How can Austria’s recent performance against Slovenia impact their strategy going into the playoff against Serbia?
**Interview with Sports Analyst Mark Fischer on Austria vs. Serbia Nations League Playoff**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Mark! Thanks for joining us today to discuss the exciting matchup between Austria and Serbia in the Nations League. First off, what does this playoff mean for Austria’s national team?
**Mark Fischer:** Thank you for having me! This playoff is crucial for Austria, as it represents a chance to reclaim their position in League A of the Nations League. After finishing in League B, the team needs this promotion to regain their competitive edge and improve their chances for future international tournaments, including the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely! Austria recently drew 1-1 with Slovenia, which led to this playoff. What are your thoughts on their performance and team strategy leading up to the match?
**Mark Fischer:** The draw against Slovenia was disappointing for Austria, as it marked a missed opportunity for direct promotion. However, it gave them a wake-up call. Coach Ralf Rangnick will likely focus on tightening the defense and enhancing their attacking play, especially since they previously defeated Serbia 2-1 in June. That victory could boost the team’s confidence.
**Interviewer:** That’s an interesting point. The first leg will be at home, likely in Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium. How significant is home advantage in this scenario?
**Mark Fischer:** Home advantage is significant. Playing in front of a passionate crowd can motivate players and create an intimidating atmosphere for the visitors. The Ernst Happel Stadium has a rich soccer tradition, and an enthusiastic home support can be a game-changer. However, the team must also manage the pressure of expectations from their fans.
**Interviewer:** What can you tell us about Serbia’s performance in the Nations League? They finished third in League A last fall, which indicates they are a strong opponent.
**Mark Fischer:** Serbia is indeed a formidable team with quality players like Dusan Vlahovic. Finishing third in League A is no small feat, and they’ll come into the playoffs with a solid understanding of the level required to succeed. Their experience in high-stakes matches will challenge Austria, and the ÖFB team must be fully prepared to match that intensity.
**Interviewer:** As we look ahead to the second leg in Serbia, how do you think Austria should approach that match?
**Mark Fischer:** Austria will need to adopt a strategic approach, possibly defending well while utilizing counter-attacks effectively. Scoring an away goal would be advantageous. They must remain disciplined defensively, as playing in Serbia’s environment can be daunting. Keeping cool under pressure will be essential.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how does this playoff fit into Austria’s larger goals for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in 2026?
**Mark Fischer:** This playoff is a stepping stone. Success against Serbia can boost the team’s morale and cohesion going into the World Cup qualifiers. It’s about building momentum and confidence. The draw for the qualifiers takes place soon, and having a strong showing in the Nations League can set the tone for their entire campaign.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mark, for your insights! We look forward to seeing how Austria performs against Serbia.
**Mark Fischer:** My pleasure! It’s going to be an exciting matchup, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds.
