Austria's national football team faced a disappointing defeat against Serbia, losing 2-0 in their UEFA Nations League playoff match on March 23, 2025. The loss means that Austria remains in the B League of the competition, missing an opportunity for promotion to the top tier.
With a relatively solid start, Austria's Konrad Laimer scored a goal in the 6th minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside, setting a tone that would haunt the team throughout the match. Austria, under the management of Ralf Rangnick, displayed early dominance but struggled to convert their chances into goals, showcasing a familiar pattern in their recent performances.
After missing an opportunity to advance during the first leg when they drew 1-1 in Vienna, Austria was hoping for redemption in Belgrade. The game took place at the Stadion Rajko Mitic, notorious for its challenging atmosphere, yet only 20,000 fans were present, many more focused on local clubs such as Red Star Belgrade and Partizan, or even the ongoing protests against the government.
Despite Austria's strong start, it was Serbia who struck first. In a chaotic moment in the 56th minute, a misplay by goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, misdirecting a back pass from Nicolas Seiwald, allowed Nemanja Maksimovic to score, putting Serbia ahead 1-0. This slapstick goal shifted the momentum, bolstering the home team, while leaving Austria scrambling.
The situation worsened for the Austrians when defender Gernot Trauner was sent off with a red card in the 68th minute for a foul on Dusan Mitrovic, leaving Austria with ten men. Shortly after, a goal by Dusan Vlahovic was initially ruled offside but ultimately stood valid in the final moments of the game, sealing Austria's fate with a 2-0 loss.
Coach Ralf Rangnick expressed disappointment not just at the result but also at the matches leading to it. “We had felt we had control for 56 minutes, but we made too many mistakes. The first goal was a half own goal. We are not happy with the outcome, but if we consider how many key players were missing, I have to be somewhat satisfied with the performance,” said Rangnick after the match.
Alexander Schlager recognized his mistakes leading to the goal but remained optimistic. “At the end of the day, it hurts with the error where the ball slips over my foot. We gave everything; life goes on. We will work hard to continue our path,” Domed Schlager.
Serbian coach Dragan Stojkovic praised his team's resilience, claiming that patience paid off. “Austria was dominant in the first half but did not create real chances. The second half was a different story; we punished them with quick counter-attacks,” he acknowledged.
This defeat means Austria’s hopes of returning to Liga A are now dashed, as they remain in Liga B for the next Nations League. Their next challenge comes on June 7, 2025, with a crucial World Cup qualifying match against Romania in Vienna. Austria, which hasn't made an appearance in a major tournament for 28 years, must capitalize on this opportunity for redemption.
The backdrop of the match, not filled to capacity, indicated shifting priorities among fans in Belgrade, where basketball and local club teams often overshadow national football events, compounded by civil discontent against government policies. This all perhaps signaled a new dawn where football may not dominate the attention it previously commanded.
