The Austrian national team and their right-back Stefan Lainer were knocked out of the World Cup qualification play-offs in the semi-final by Wales. The 2-1 defeat at the Cardiff City Stadium means that Franco Foda’s side will not feature in this year’s World Cup in Qatar.
The 2022 World Cup will take place without Austria and their long wait to play in football’s showpiece event goes on, with their last appearance coming in France in 1998. Austria started the game brightly and Baumgartner had an early chance after a Sabitzer through ball, but his effort was fired at the crossbar. Wales grew into the game and started to create more chances as the half progressed. The Dragons took the lead through a stunning Gareth Bale free-kick in the 25th minute.
Just five minutes after the restart, Wales doubled their lead. After a short-taken corner, Bale received the ball from his team mate Ben Davies and his left-footed shot from the left corner of the box found the top right corner. Despite attempting to freshen things up by bringing on Kalajdzic, Weimann and the ex-Foal Valentino Lazaro, the Austrians remained toothless and couldn’t find the cutting edge they needed. Sabitzer pulled one back in the 64th minute, after his effort deflected off Ben Davies, beating the gloves of the despairing Wayne Hennessey.
Stefan Lainer played a more defensive role in the game and had a busy evening against Wales’ left-winger, Neco Williams. He did however manage to show his offensive quality, by providing the assist for Sabitzer’s goal.
The Austrian national team have a friendly against Scotland at the Ernst Happel Stadium on Tuesday, after which Lainer will return to Borussia.
