Austria and Argentina clash in an important Group J match at the Dallas Stadium, with the winner all but confirming its spot in the knockout stage.
Both teams won their last matches in style, with Argentina beating Algeria 3-0 and Austria defeating Jordan 3-1.
Ralf Rangnick will be aware of the challenge that comes with facing an Argentina side, especially considering the form Lionel Messi is in. The Inter Miami star scored a hat trick against Algeria and has now equaled Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all-time leading goal scorer.
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
The former World Cup champions are the favorites heading into the match and will be aiming for another victory today.
What is Austria’s FIFA Ranking?
After their win against Jordan in the World Cup opener, Austria jumped three spots in the FIFA rankings, officially putting themselves ahead of South Korea, Australia, Iran, and Nigeria.
Austria now sits at No. 21 in the rankings and will be heading into the rest of its World Cup matches with a lot of confidence.
Previously, their highest ranking came in 2016 when they broke into the top 10, and this is their first World Cup appearance in 30 years.
However, this marks a major improvement from a period when the nation struggled, previously languishing in the lower ranks over a decade ago. In 2008, Austria were ranked 105th, highlighting the significant strides the European nation has made in global soccer.
After the match against Argentina, they face Jordan in the last group stage fixture.
