Austria's Sabitzer: "No Team Intimidates Us"
June 15, 2026 · Diego Sånchez
Marcel Sabitzer, the Austrian midfielder, is set to celebrate his 100th appearance for the national team at World Cup 2026. He expresses excitement and determination ahead of Austria's debut match against Argentina, highlighting the significance of the tournament in his career.
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Marcel Sabitzer has long been a key player for the Austrian national team. The 32-year-old midfielder has earned 98 caps, trailing only behind Marko Arnautovic, David Alaba, Andreas Herzog, and Aleksandar Dragovic in appearances. As Austria prepares for its crucial World Cup match against Argentina on June 22, Sabitzer could reach his milestone 100th cap. "It's a very special achievement," Sabitzer shared with the Austrian Football Federation. "As a child, you have dreams and goals, and reaching 100 national team appearances requires consistent high-level performance over many years." Sabitzer, currently with Borussia Dortmund, emphasizes the importance of performance, health, and supportive coaches in achieving such a feat. "If it happens against Argentina at the World Cup, it would be a memorable occasion," he added, while focusing on Austria's opener against Jordan. This World Cup marks Sabitzer's debut at the tournament, as Austria last appeared in 1998 in France. "It's the biggest stage in football," Sabitzer said, recalling his early memories of the 2002 World Cup and the iconic moments from the final between Brazil and Germany. Anticipating the upcoming matches, Sabitzer remains unfazed by the pressure, eager to embrace the tournament atmosphere. He reflects on his journey with Austria, highlighting a memorable first goal against Iceland. "The World Cup story is not yet fully written," the Dortmund player stated. "No team intimidates us. We aim to win every match, even against Argentina. I've never faced them or Messi, which makes it special." Austria's group includes Argentina, Algeria, and Jordan.
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