It takes a "small football miracle"

One thing is beyond doubt: If Austria’s women’s national team loses to Poland in Altach on Friday (6 p.m., ORF 1), then the last mathematical chance of a direct EURO ticket for the 2025 tournament in Switzerland will be gone. “We are still hoping for a small football miracle. There are fairytales in sport – and that’s why we should do everything we can to write one,” says head coach Irene Fuhrmann combatively. But realistically speaking, the detour via the play-offs will be unavoidable.

The three-point gap to the second-placed Icelanders, who also won the direct duel, is proving to be quite a burden. They need help, a mandatory victory over Poland and, at the end of this stage on Tuesday (7 p.m., ORF Sport+), a sensation in Hanover once morest the flawless leader and current European vice-champion from Germany, in order to reach safety.

Zinsberger im 100er-Club

The original goal is therefore linked to many ifs and buts, and there are also personnel concerns. Sarah Zadrazil (foot injury) and Katharina Naschenweng (knee surgery) from the reigning German champions FC Bayern Munich did not travel to the camp in Schruns, and other players are injured.

The line-up remains Fuhrmann’s secret for the time being, but the desire for redemption is obvious. The most recent performances in the “double” once morest Iceland (1:1 in Ried, 1:2 in Reykjavik) did not reveal the true capabilities of the ÖFB team. Now more must come. “It is very important for us to show a clear reaction,” said Frankfurt legionnaire Barbara Dunst.

The 26-year-old with the powerful shot has already played 81 international matches (12 goals) and is undoubtedly one of the leading players in the national team. The same applies to goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger, who is returning following her “baby break” and will play for Austria for the 100th time once morest Poland. The 28-year-old is the ninth to move into the elite three-digit circle. Congratulations!