The official start of the European Cup lacks the fiery atmosphere in the past, and more host cities make this European Cup more like a European Cup qualifier. However, the finals are finals after all, and many teams want to make history, so does Austria, which has average strength. Generally, they can reach the European Cup finals, but their achievements are very few. Now, the team is not just a star in Alabama. Sabitze, Anatovic, etc. All standing stars. Naturally, Austria hopes to become a dark horse by going up a storey still higher.

So in the game against North Macedonia, Austria regarded the game as the final. The best player in this game is Real Madrid star Alaba, and this time Alaba's position is no longer the position of the last European Cup 10, but to return to his old job and become a defender. In the last European Cup, Alaba was placed in the position of 10 by the coach, but it proved to be a failed operation. After all, Alaba is better at defensive position. Despite his outstanding skills, he rarely played in the front court when he was at the club, which would be somewhat uncomfortable.

When he joined Real Madrid, it was reported that he wanted to play in midfield or behind the team, but in fact Real Madrid would not do so, but hoped that he would become the main central defender and left defender. Alaba really likes to play in a more advanced position, but the professional coach will still persuade him to return to his old job. Coming to this European Cup, perhaps out of conservative considerations, Alaba finally returned to the position of defender, and proved that he was not overqualified in the backcourt position with actual combat. Otherwise, how could he win the award of the best player in the first European Cup?

Austria has another consideration. After all, the strongest opponents in the same group will also take turns to fight. Alaba was fixed in the backcourt and ran in the team's defense line to cope with the stronger Netherlands and Ukraine. Therefore, Alaba's withdrawal from the national team is an inevitable choice. Fortunately, Austria's attack has established a new core, that is Sabitzer, who can well drive the team to organize the attack, and there is no need for Alaba to participate in the organization work. This also makes Austria form a dual-core situation, with core drivers in midfield and backcourt, which is the biggest change in Austria in recent years.

Therefore, Austria with solid defense is worthy of optimism. Alaba leads the national team to break through the best results, and it is also the best opportunity to watch this European Cup. In fact, Austria has changed its strategy. When the team falls behind or needs to change the situation, Alaba can move forward appropriately, and many excellent defenders such as Hintag and Bosch can replace it. On the whole, Austria has the potential of a dark horse and hopes to create team history.