"Wenn man sieht, wie er das heute gespielt hat, kann man gar nicht glauben, dass er erst 19 ist."
The 19-year-old Tyrolean made his ÖFB debut on Sunday in the 3-1 home game against Kosovo (Match Report>>>) - and completed his task with his usual high level of composure.
"That didn't surprise me, we knew what a great talent was growing up there. When you see how he played today, you can hardly believe that he's only 19 and has never played for the senior national team before," Rangnick raves afterwards.
Zawieschitzky Downplays Top Save
Against Kosovo, Zawieschitzky impressed with his skill on the ball; he was repeatedly able to resolve pressing situations with valuable long balls due to his ambidexterity. He also produced a top foot save against Kosovo star Vedat Muriqi shortly after the break.
"I just did what a goalkeeper is obligated to do," the Salzburg custodian commented dryly on the scene.
"The Goal Conceded Annoys Me"
A carelessly conceded corner in the second half, as well as a goal conceded from a penalty in the final phase, where he chose the wrong corner, remained as a minor drawback.
"The goal conceded annoys me, I have to say," Zawieschitzky laments afterwards.
However, joy naturally predominates: "It was something very special, I already got a bit of goosebumps."
Not a Shy Type
The 19-year-old is now the youngest man since the legendary Walter Zeman, who made his Austria debut as an 18-year-old in 1945, to ever guard an ÖFB goal; in total, only five ÖFB goalkeepers have been younger than him to date.
"The youngest in 81 years?! Nice," Zawieschitzky marvelled after the game. He learned that he would play on Saturday from goalkeeper coach Michael Gspurning. "I was very surprised."
About his performance, he says: "My game was okay, the team's was sensational." The team welcomed him well, "but I'm also not a shy type. I find it easy to talk to others."
"Maybe I Wasn't Paying Attention During the Rules Training, But..."
He also showed no shyness in a scene after Kosovo's consolation goal. "Maybe I wasn't paying full attention during the rules training, but I thought it was my ball when I conceded a goal. I just tucked it under my jersey because I knew they'd definitely come for it. Then they won't get it out so easily," Zawieschitzky grins mischievously.
The down-to-earth Tyrolean will, of course, give the aforementioned jersey to his mom.
Off to the U21
Zawieschitzky will now have to wait a bit for his second international appearance. On Monday, he will join the U21 team and stand between the posts in the decisive two U21 European Championship qualifiers against Denmark and Wales.
However, it is to be assumed that Christian Zawieschitzky was not seen in the goal of the ÖFB senior team for the last time on Sunday.
