ÖFB team player Marko Arnautovic is about to make his 100th international match. The Bologna legionnaire is looking forward to it and is “mighty proud”.
ÖFB substitute captain Marko Arnautovic high fives.
WHAT/Robert Jaeger
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Marko Arnautovic is far from being old-fashioned. Austria’s star striker proved on Friday at the start of Ralf Rangnick’s team boss era that he not only plays football, but can also take important steps in the prescribed pressing. His opening goal paved the way to a 3-0 win over Croatia in Osijek. The 33-year-old looked hopeful to the future after the surprise against the runner-up: “This is a team you can build on.”
The doubts after the lost World Cup play-off in Wales in March (1: 2) are forgotten. After the lost chance at the World Cup in Qatar, Arnautovic left his future in the national team open. With his family he decided to continue his international career. Rangnick relies on him in attack – even if the Viennese had to stay in the dressing room at halftime in Croatia because of a slight thigh problem. “We still have three games left, nobody wanted to risk anything,” explained Arnautovic.
You know how much sweat and blood I gave for this national team
The Bologna legionnaire is on the verge of his 100th international match. He could already play it against Denmark in Vienna on Monday. Only Andreas Herzog (103) and Arnautovic’s von Rangnick colleague Aleksandar Dragovic (100), who was not nominated, have achieved three-digit international numbers for the ÖFB men. “You know how much sweat and blood I gave for this national team,” Arnautovic told the journalists who traveled to Osijek. “It’s nice to have the 100 under my belt now. I’m looking forward to it and I’m extremely proud of it. I hope we can celebrate the win.”
The Danes also got off to a successful start in the Nations League with a 2-1 win in France. The anticipation for the duel in Vienna is great, as is the self-confidence. “You don’t win a 3-0 away win in Croatia every day,” said Arnautovic, but pointed out: “There are other games too. For us, a win like that doesn’t mean it’s over now. That’s the beginning . We are overjoyed – and on we go.”
New energy thanks to Rangnick
According to Arnautovic, Rangnick also played his part in the self-confident appearance of the ÖFB team. “The team boss came and brought new energy. He gave us new tasks,” said the veteran. He himself had to approach opponents earlier than usual in the national team, but mastered it like many of his teammates despite the great heat (“It wasn’t very nice”). “It was really exhausting, but it was fun.” With a new coach, every player wants to prove himself. “It gives a new energy, a breath of fresh air,” said Arnautovic. The Austrians were always there when the Croatians lost possession.
There was special praise from the substitute captain for the defenders Kevin Danso, Gernot Trauner and Maximilian Wöber. “They did an excellent job. It’s not easy to play from the start after the results we had,” said Arnautovic, who wore the ribbon instead of David Alaba, who did not travel to Croatia. “I’m super proud of the guys, they did a great job – not only at the back, but also at the front of the guys who came in.”
Arnautovic is still one goal away from Krankl
Arnautovic is in good spirits. He wants to celebrate great success again in the autumn of his ÖFB career. “Of course we hope that we will have a lot of fun with the team in the near future and that we can achieve something. We are a great team, everyone is having fun.” He himself too. With 33 international goals, Arnautovic is only one goal away from the legendary Hans Krankl, number two on the all-time ÖFB scoring list. Only record man Toni Polster (44 goals) seems out of reach for the time being. “I’m not interested in who’s in front,” said Arnautovic. “I don’t look at it.” He just wants to help the team.
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