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Insights: The Käsekrainer Are Missing
What's on the menu for the ÖFB team in the USA? And why so many cakes?
Today, on the day of the World Cup round of sixteen match against Spain, things are different from usual.
Breakfast is more like a brunch, as the ÖFB players have to be on the pitch by 12 noon for lunch.
Early Risers and Late Sleepers
Normally, mornings are much more relaxed. There's no fixed time for breakfast, but rather a two-hour slot – everyone can come when they want.
Family fathers with small children are used to getting up early at home, so they are usually the first ones at breakfast. Alexander Schlager, for example. Sporting director Peter Schöttel is also an early riser, while Marko Arnautovic is anything but.
The Grampelhubers
Eggs – in every preparation – are particularly popular, and there are plenty of avocados too.
Award-winning chef Fritz Grampelhuber, who is supported by his brother Tamino around match days, ensures that the ÖFB players lack nothing on their plates.
The Käsekrainer Weren't Allowed In
At least almost nothing. The famous and popular Gams-Käsekrainer didn't make it to the USA. The import of meat is difficult or practically impossible.
So the chef had to rely on what he could get locally. In cooperation with the Ritz-Carlton, the ÖFB base camp, the quality of the meat and fish left nothing to be desired.
Who Likes to Eat What
And so, chicken wings – particularly popular with Marcel Sabitzer – were back on the table, Christoph Baumgartner is a fan of veal cheeks (Kalbsbackerl), Marko Arnautovic of meatballs (Fleischlaberl). And everyone loves Kaiserschmarrn.
The Nutella-Palatschinken (crepes) around match days also make players' hearts beat faster.
Time to Bake
But Grampelhuber doesn't just cook, he also bakes. Specifically, for birthdays. And these were anything but rare during preparation and the tournament.
Patrick Wimmer and David Alaba have already celebrated, as has Ralf Rangnick. From the support staff, assistant coach Onur Cinel, sports scientist Gerhard Zallinger, and fitness coach Martin Hämmerle also got to celebrate.
Who's Still Hoping
Grampelhuber bakes a cake, entirely to the birthday person's taste.
It would be entirely to the nation's taste if Philipp Lienhart (July 11), physiotherapist Klaus Maierstein (July 12), and team manager Mario Margreiter (July 14) could also celebrate their birthdays with the ÖFB team…
