ÖFB Starting XI Against Jordan: OÖN venture their first World Cup prediction

Outlook on Argentina and Algeria

The newspaper also formulates an outlook on the upcoming tasks: "Gegen Argentinien und Algerien wird's dann richtig zur Sache gehen." This statement underlines that, in the OÖN's view, the encounter with Jordan is seen as an entry with manageable risk before the more difficult opponents await.

At the same time, the OÖN emphasize that the team boss will worry more about his own lineup than about the opponent. "Mehr Sorgen als die Nummer 64 der Welt wird unserem Teamchef die eigene Aufstellung bereiten," the commentary states. The personnel composition is accordingly the actual issue to be resolved.

Open questions in defense

The OÖN also find their own words on personal preparation: "Ich werde früh schlafen gehen und mir den Wecker für 5 Uhr stellen." The author of the text makes clear in this way that he absolutely does not want to miss the match at the crack of dawn on Wednesday.

Alongside Kalajdzic, other names play a role in the debate over the starting XI. Marko Arnautovic, long-standing offensive engine of the ÖFB, is mentioned in the key entities of the topic as is David Alaba, who is regarded as a leader in defense. However, the OÖN do not name any concrete tactical assignments or positions in the text at hand.

Overall, the prediction remains rather cautious: the OÖN only really commit themselves on Kalajdzic and otherwise acknowledge that the lineup question is open. That fits the assessment that the dress rehearsal against Jordan also serves to check the fitness levels of individual players before things get serious against the higher-rated opponents Argentina and Algeria.

For readers, this means: anyone who gets up early on Wednesday can not only follow the World Cup opener live, but can also observe right away whether the OÖN's prediction comes true – and whether Rangnick actually gives the knocked players the one or other extra minute.