Austria celebrates the opening victory: Schmid shines with assist against Romania!

Austria celebrates the opening victory: Schmid shines with assist against Romania!

Austria made a positive start to the World Cup qualification and won 2-1 against Romania on June 9, 2025 in the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna. In front of 48,500 spectators: Inside, the national team presented itself as strongly present and determined. Michael Gregoritsch took the lead in the 42nd minute before Marcel Sabitzer scored 2-0 in the 60th minute thanks to a fine preparatory work by Romano Schmid from Werder Bremen.

The offensive midfielder Schmid, who was in the starting eleven, has shown himself impressively and proves that he is still a reliable player. Marco Friedl and Marco Grüll, also at Werder Bremen, had to sit on the bench and were not used. In added time, Romania managed to connect through Florin Tanase, but the pendulum ended in favor of the ÖFB selection.

on the way to the 2026 World Cup

The qualification for the 2026 World Cup has a high priority for the Austrians. After all, the team has not been represented at a World Cup since the 1998 World Cup. The Austrian national team failed in the qualifications six times in a row, and it is high time to leave this consolation price behind. The aim is to win the group victory in the qualification round to qualify directly for the World Cup.

Austria was pulled out of pot 1 and plays in group H with opponents such as Romania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cyprus and San Marino. The next game will take place on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, against San Marino. When looking at the current table, the Austrians have to make an effort, especially after they are fourth place behind Bosnia-Herzegovina and Romania with three points. The group is set for the direct qualification, while the second still has to go to the playoffs.

the squad and current developments

The joy of the opening victory is subdued by the injury of David Alaba, who fights for a cruciate ligament tear, but could possibly return in the course of the qualification. Nikola's talents are new to the ranks of the squad and Thierno Ballo, who are supposed to keep the team fresh. Service carriers such as Marko Arnautović, Konrad Laimer and Marcel Sabitzer show a strong presence and are crucial for the success of the team.

The new team boss Ralf Rangnick brought a fresh wind into the team and hopes that Austria will not only achieve successful results, but also in the upcoming Nations League. The next important duels in qualification are on the program and the pressure is increasing. After all, with a promotion to Nations League A and the return to the World Cup, two major challenges are in prospect. Austria is ready to pull the helm around and keep the fans enthusiastic.

For more information about Romano Schmid and his missions in the national team, visit the page on Kicker.de . For an overview of the World Cup qualification of Austria, click Fussball-wm.pro . There is more about the game and the latest developments at dichstube.de. .