Austria — Cyprus : Match Preview and Prediction for September 06,2025

Austria’s Campaign So Far

Ralf Rangnick’s squad is performing at its peak under the German coach. This highly cohesive and intriguing team, blending youthful energy with seasoned experience, is aiming for a return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1998. Marko Arnautovic and his teammates have had a successful start to their Group H campaign this summer, securing two wins from two matches on their journey to the World Cup.

Dominant Group Stage Performances

Initially, the ‘dark-whites’ confidently defeated Romania 2-1 at home (the scoreline is misleading, as Romanians scored in stoppage time, while Austria could have easily won by a larger margin). Following this, Rangnick’s charges showed no mercy to minnows San Marino away, securing three points comfortably in the first half and ultimately winning the match 4-0. Austria should have no trouble dispatching Cyprus, another group outsider, at home. Although Trauner, Friedl, and Wöber will be absent due to injuries, weakening the hosts, Rangnick undoubtedly has capable replacements for this trio.

Cyprus’ Qualification Journey

Apostolos Mantzios’ team (appointed last year as the islanders’ new coach) started their World Cup qualification campaign with a victory, overcoming San Marino 2-0 at home. However, as expected, the Cypriots subsequently lost two consecutive matches. These included a respectable, though ultimately losing, 1-2 scoreline against Bosnia away, and a 0-2 defeat to Romania.

Defensive Vulnerabilities and Recent Form

Despite playing an open style, Cyprus’ opponents’ clinical finishing, combined with Mall’s heroic saves, allowed them to lose with ‘respectable’ scorelines against stronger rivals. In between these qualifiers, they also drew 2-2 with Bulgaria in a friendly. Consequently, Cyprus has conceded at least two goals per game in their last three matches. All key players, including the recently naturalized Brazilian goalkeeper Fabiano Freitas, are available for this match. However, this is unlikely to save Cyprus from criticism and yet another defeat.