Austria, the Tactical Rival That Comes with Spaces: Can Argentina Take Advantage?

This Monday, the Argentine National Team faces Austria in the second match of Group J of the 2026 World Cup. After a crushing debut against Algeria, Lionel Scaloni’s team seeks to consolidate its path to the round of 16. But the opponent at hand is nothing like the previous one: the Europeans arrive with a very defined tactical approach, but also with weaknesses that the Albiceleste could exploit.

German coach Ralf Rangnick, known as the team’s ‘architect’, managed to qualify Austria after 28 years of World Cup absence. His preferred formation is the 4-2-3-1, with a double pivot and full-backs seeking width. The idea is clear: build from the back, generate superiority in midfield, and exploit the flanks with wingers and midfielders.

Between the posts, Alexander Schlager is the starter. The central defensive duo consists of Philipp Lienhart and David Alaba, captain and star. Stefan Posch, with great offensive projection, is the right-back, while Phillipp Mwene occupies the left. In midfield, Xaver Schlager and Nicolas Seiwald form the double pivot, accompanied by Romano Schmid, Marcel Sabitzer, and Konrad Laimer, the best of the squad. Up front, Sasa Kalajdzic, at two meters tall, is the target man.

But Austria is not just the starting eleven. From the bench, Marko Arnautovic, 37, brings experience and hierarchy. Also Carney Chukwuemeka, Paul Wanner, Patrick Wimmer, and Kevin Danso are alternatives that have already had minutes in the tournament.

With the ball, Rangnick’s team seeks width and depth. One of its tactical variants is that Seiwald joins as a third center-back, allowing the full-backs to push forward. The midfielders run behind the defenders, and the striker holds up the ball to lay it off. Posch, on the right, is key in attack due to his technique and projection.

However, not everything is perfect. The counter-pressing or ‘gegenpressing’ that Rangnick advocates is not always efficient. When the opponent manages to bypass that first line with a pass or a dribble, the defense suffers. Errors in defensive retreat are a constant, and counterattacks are their Achilles’ heel. In the debut against Jordan, the equalizer came from a turnover that left the backline exposed.

Additionally, Austria does not handle being pressed near its own goal well. In its eagerness to build from the back, they commit turnovers that can be capitalized on. They also lack highly technical players to break lines in 1v1 situations.

In set pieces, zonal marking also shows cracks. Five players in the six-yard box, three at the penalty spot, and one outside for the rebound: the runs of opposing headers often cause problems.

Argentina, then, faces a more organized opponent than Algeria, but with clear weak points. If Scaloni can exploit the lapses in retreat and errors in counter-pressing, the Albiceleste can hurt with quick counterattacks. The key will be to bypass the initial pressure and find the spaces Austria leaves. Can the National Team take another firm step towards qualification?

Watch the 2026 World Cup in the best quality

These are the most sought-after TVs to watch the National Team. All with 12 interest-free installments:

• Smart TV Kanji 32″ LED HD – From $120,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-89J3)
• Smart TV LG 43″ 4K UHD WebOS – From $450,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-WXW9)
• Smart TV Samsung 50″ 4K UHD – From $600,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-VVE0)

Approximate prices. 12 interest-free installments subject to each seller. Search for the codes on Mercado Libre.

WATCH THE VIDEO: