With the tailwind from the last-minute win against Belgium, the Austrian women’s national soccer team wants to gain a lot of self-confidence for the upcoming Nations League with a second success within a short time. In the penultimate test before the first start of the UEFA competition in autumn, team boss Irene Fuhrmann’s team will face the Czech Republic on Tuesday (7.15 p.m. / live ORF Sport +) in Wiener Neustadt. The hunger for victory in the red-white-red camp is great.
“We definitely want to win the game. Our goal is to dominate our opponents,” emphasized Fuhrmann on Monday. Record national player Sarah Puntigam, who was rested against Belgium for the first time under Fuhrmann, agreed with her coach. “It is important that we finish this course positively with a win and a good feeling,” said the Cologne legionnaire, who was able to enjoy a small chocolate Easter bunny as a gift with her teammates on Sunday.
The win against the “Red Flames” (3:2) after a 0:2 deficit last Friday embellished the Easter celebrations in the ÖFB camp. “The mood is very good. If you manage to catch up like that, it also rekindles your strength,” said Fuhrmann. With the Czech Republic, the 42-year-old expects an opponent who will be difficult to break defensively. “But we now have the tools,” emphasized Fuhrmann, who can fall back on all squad players. Goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger (private reasons) will not be there.
Against the world number 27. the ÖFB women have a positive record (two wins, two draws, one defeat). Fuhrmann, whose team is ranked 18th in the FIFA rankings, will certainly make changes. “We want to take certain key workers out to rehearse for an emergency.” The game against the Czech Republic is the last chance to try some things.
Annabel Schasching is expecting an “intense fight”, the Freiburg kicker warned of the Czechs’ 0-0 draw against European champions England last October. “That showed us that defensively they can be difficult to crack.” Laura Feiersinger also sees a robust opponent who is “extremely uncomfortable” in a duel and has technical qualities. However, the Czech Republic will be slightly weakened and will travel to Lower Austria without captain Petra Bertholdova.
In July there will be another test for ÖFB captain Carina Wenninger and Co. as part of a training camp, then the opponents in the Nations League will also be determined. The draw will take place on May 2nd.