According to the latest odds of the relevant authorities, Austria has risen to 8th place. Austria qualified as winners of Group D after a 1-0 defeat to France, then a 3-1 defeat to Poland and a 3-2 win over the Netherlands in the final round of the group to qualify as winners of Group D, where they face Turkey in the round of 16.
A few weeks ago, Ralph Rangnick turned down a job at Bayern Munich, at least in part because he desperately wanted to coach the Austrian team. It's not hard to see why. Rangnick has the players he needs to build Rangnick's signature – Red Bull tactics, including spacing, pressing and counter-pressing.
Austria are terrible, they have a lot of energy, they have a lot of intensity, and they play at a fast pace. They have left Poland and the Netherlands frustrated, and it was only the excellent individual play at the back that allowed France to win. Austria's PPDA (Passes per Defensive Move) is just 9.0 (only Germany have fewer than them).
Their high pressing has allowed some of the possession powerhouses to play chaotic through balls, and that's exactly the style of play they want. They have the third-highest expected goals rate (0.18) and a 57% shot on goal percentage (first), with eight different players scoring or assisting.
Can this style win four more games? Especially more demanding of older players such as 30-year-old Marcel Sabitzer (who has already played 270 minutes) and 35-year-old Marko Arnautovic? It's hard to say, but Austria won the group in this tournament with their own strength.
Why wouldn't they? The opponent also created a lot of chances. They have conceded six goals in three games and their style of play has also put a lot of pressure on goalkeeper Patrick Pensz and the backline as they don't have as much talent from big clubs as the forward line.
Turkey look likely to be beaten, and then in the quarter-finals, Austria may beat the Netherlands again. Their worst enemy may be themselves, though, with manager Ralph Rangnick having to rotate heavily to avoid a suspension as their aggressive style will cost them more yellow cards.
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