The Austria national soccer team, governed by the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB), has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1904. Known for their distinctive red and white kits, the Austrian team has been a prominent force in European football, especially in the early and mid-20th century.

History and Major Successes

• 1930s Success: Austria's golden era is often cited as the 1930s when the team, known as the "Wunderteam," was one of the strongest in Europe. They reached the semifinals of the 1934 FIFA World Cup, ultimately finishing fourth.
• 1954 FIFA World Cup: Austria achieved its best World Cup performance by finishing third. They defeated Uruguay in the third-place playoff after being eliminated by West Germany in the semifinals.
• European Championships: Austria has qualified for the UEFA European Championship on several occasions, with their first appearance in 2008 when they co-hosted the tournament with Switzerland. They have also participated in the 2016 and 2020 editions.

Notable Players

• Matthias Sindelar: Often considered one of the greatest players in Austrian history, Sindelar was a key figure in the "Wunderteam" of the 1930s, known for his skill and vision on the field.
• Herbert Prohaska: A central figure in Austrian football during the 1970s and 1980s, Prohaska was renowned for his midfield prowess and leadership qualities.
• Toni Polster: Austria's record goal scorer for many years, Polster was a prolific striker and a key player during the 1980s and 1990s.
• David Alaba: A modern-day star, Alaba has been a leading figure for Austria in recent years, known for his versatility, having played in various positions including defense and midfield.

Notable Coaches

• Hugo Meisl: One of the most influential figures in early Austrian football, Meisl was the coach of the "Wunderteam" and is credited with pioneering the team's tactical advancements.
• Josef Hickersberger: Coached Austria during the 1990 FIFA World Cup and later returned to lead the team during the 2008 UEFA European Championship.
• Marcel Koller: The Swiss coach managed the team from 2011 to 2017, overseeing their qualification for UEFA Euro 2016, the first time Austria qualified for the tournament without being hosts.

The Austria national team continues to be an important player in European football, striving to build on its historic successes and foster new talent for future competitions.