"Wir können Spanien mit unserem hohen Pressing noch am ehesten ärgern"
“We need to remember what brought us here, what we have already achieved with our playing style. It's about trying to reconnect with our strengths. We can most likely bother Spain with our high pressing,” says the Germany-based player.
This is how Grillitsch reacts to Herzog's criticism
Austria does “not have the fittest team,” Andreas Herzog recently stated. Read more here >>>
Florian Grillitsch cannot make sense of this claim: “I don’t have the impression that we are physically worse than in the months before. Against Spain, everyone will run until they drop.”
How Mwene plans to stop Yamal
A special task awaits Mwene should he start as left-back: Lamine Yamal as his opponent.
The superstar talks about his fitness >>>
“He has everything that distinguishes a world-class winger: superb technique, pace in one-on-one situations, a ruthless finish,” raves the Viennese.
His recipe: “The top priority will be not to let him on his strong left foot, to keep him wide. We have to try to create two-on-one or three-on-one situations to give him as little space as possible.”
At the same time, he is aware: “We won’t be able to completely shut him down, similar to Messi and Mbappe.”
With this feeling, the ÖFB players go into the match
Ahead of Austria's first World Cup knockout match since 1954, the ÖFB players apparently feel perfectly comfortable in the underdog role.
“There hasn't been a World Cup knockout match for Austria for a long time. This is a huge chance to make history. We want to enjoy the atmosphere and the stadium. Everyone is incredibly eager for the game. I feel more anticipation than nervousness and excitement,” says Mwene.
Grillitsch adds: “We are at a World Cup. We get to play in the Round of 32 against Spain. Everyone dreams of that. A game like that on such a stage.”
