Alex Schlager: No match practice, no problem

Has not played since early October

As early as the evening before kick-off in Linz, Rangnick announced that the Salzburg native would be starting between the posts for the ÖFB team for the 33rd time.

And that came despite "Gassi", as he is called by his teammates, being only the second choice since his summer move to Werder Bremen. He has made just a single cup appearance for the northern German side in mid-August.

For the ÖFB team, he was called into action in late September and early October during the 3-1 win over Israel and the 1-1 draw in Kosovo.

test — Er hielt an diesem Abend alles
Foto: ©GEPA

For the first time since the 1-0 win against Tunisia in early June, Austria finished a match without conceding. "Keeping a clean sheet is always down to a massive effort from the team," Schlager said, playing the ultimate team player.

However, his teammates know only too well that he played a huge part in it himself. "In the end, he saved our behinds," said Sasa Kalajdzic.

Seven saves made

Kevin Danso added: "He was outstanding. I feel safe when he's behind me."

The head coach was even well aware of the exact statistics: "Today he made seven saves, three or four of which were not must-saves. That's why he completely justified his selection today."

"Wer sieben Jahre lang beim Nationalteam ist, bringt über einen großen Zeitraum hinweg immer wieder Leistung"

Alex Schlager

Criticism irks Gregoritsch

The fact that not everyone was thrilled in advance about a keeper starting in the ÖFB goal who doesn't play for his club particularly irritated Michael Gregoritsch.

"I really have to stand up for him. There is someone who took shots online multiple times this week against 'Gassi'. I won't give him a platform, but I will send him a personal message," the striker said, referring to a social media influencer.

"Gregerl" continued: "It's wonderful that 'Gassi' is with us. He is an important part of the team, radiates calm, and played a sensational World Cup. That's why he earned this spot. It's a well-deserved Man of the Match award."

What Schlager had to say

Schlager himself didn't want to dwell on the goalkeeper debate. "I've been with the national team since 2019. Anyone who has been with the national team for seven years consistently delivers performances over an extended period of time," he explained.

At present, he "doesn't worry too much at the end of the day."

"I love coming here, I give it my all, and I always try to get the most out of it. I think I've shown what I'm capable of over the past few months. But that's all it is; football is a day-to-day business, and next time it's about performing all over again," the goalkeeper continued.

There is no doubt that he made a strong case for himself on this evening in Linz.