The Inter Milan striker was happy to play and run on Sunday in Linz, scored the first two goals for the ÖFB team and now has 39 goals in 120 international matches. Nevertheless, the Viennese highlighted the collective. “This is the best national team that has ever existed in Austria,” explained Arnautovic. His reason for this announcement was: “Because we are a complete team outside and inside the pitch.” The performances in September with the 1-1 draw in Slovenia and the 1-2 draw in Norway are forgotten. “You had something to write about again, but we showed you who we are, what we are,” Arnautovic told the journalists. “Sometimes you have a bit of a dip in form, thank God it was only for two games.”
Picture gallery: Football fans cheer 5:1 in Linz
(Photo: GEPA pictures/ Daniela Moser (GEPA pictures)) Bild 1/17
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“Now everything is back in our hands”
The subsequent big victories against Kazakhstan and Norway mean they win the group and thus return to League A. With victories in November in Kazakhstan and at home against Slovenia, first place would be guaranteed. “Now everything is back in our hands, we will do everything we can to win these games,” promised Arnautovic.
The 35-year-old netted from a penalty and before that with a remarkable shot from the edge of the penalty area. “A lucky goal,” was how the striker described this goal, not without irony. “It was luck, the ball came off his foot really well.”
Toni Polster is still 5 goals away
His status as an ÖFB record team player is cemented, and that as a record shooter is within reach. Toni Polster is still five goals away from his mark if he fails in his legal efforts to have three more goals recognized. Arnautovic emphasized that he has “huge respect” for Polster, whose record “doesn’t interest me.” “I just want to perform for the team.”
Despite his 35 years, the Italian legionnaire probably still has some time to catch up. Arnautovic did not even rule out taking part in the 2026 World Cup if Austria qualified. “The good Lord decides how long I can play without injury. I’m happy right now and I thank the good Lord for giving me this health, that I can continue to enjoy football and that it’s working so well.”
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ÖFB team on track after 5-1 against Norway in Nations League
Decision before the game “was close”
Against Kazakhstan, Arnautovic initially sat on the bench – also because, according to team boss Ralf Rangnick, he was a bit ailing in the first two days of the course. “I thought he wasn’t completely fit. That’s why I decided on Junior Adamu,” said the German.
According to Rangnick, the decision was also close before the Norway game. “In hindsight, thank God, I decided on Marko – because I believed that, even though he was well rested, he would also command a lot of respect from his opponents. He justified that with a top performance.” Rangnick said that Arnautovic had “a huge amount of fun and joy in the game”.
Praise also came from fellow players. “Marko’s quality is so outstanding that he will always be needed in the national team. We are glad that we have him, not only on the pitch but also off it, because it is always fun with him,” said Gernot Trauner , and Christoph Baumgartner added: “He also worked very well for the team away from the goals.”
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