Austria have not beaten Germany since a 4-1 friendly win in Vienna on October 29, 1986.
Few would expect Marcel Koller’s men to end their barren run when the two nations clash in Munich on Friday.
But they really need to somehow conjure up a victory. And the Germans have been leaking goals recently – nine in their last three games.
Five points adrift of the Germans, Austria are second in Group C.
But only goal difference separates them from Sweden and Ireland in third and fourth respectively.
Coach Koller and his captain, Christian Fuchs of Bundesliga 1 side Schalke 04, talked about the Austrian team’s chances.
“Yes, I believe Germany are a world-class team, the second-best team in the world, they play a very strong game. They seem to be capable of improving their game right when they need it, like when they are down a goal. And they will be more motivated playing at home. Having so many world-class players and their international experience they are the favourite to win the World Cup, they’re number one, and that makes it difficult for us.”
Marcel Koller, Austrian national team coach
“We know that our Austrian fans believe in us. We want to play our own game here and we’d like to take something with us, if we can.”
