Austria geared up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 win over Tunisia on Monday, 1 June. It was their last friendly game before jetting off to United States, where they will now kick-off their tournament on 16 June after their Guatemala duel was called off.
The win extended the European side's winning run to three in three this year, having previously beaten Ghana and South Korea in their March fixtures as Austria appear to be shaping up well for this month's showpiece as they mark their World Cup return for the first time since 1998.
BVB star Marcel Sabitzer on target
It was a scrappy game for Das Team though, who were reduced to 10-men after just 36 minutes following Konrad Laimer's red card and needed more than hour to break down their fellow World Cup participants.
But much to the delight of the BVB fans, the player who made the difference in Vienna last night was Marcel Sabitzer. A pwerful shot into the far corner from inside the box separated the two sides as Austria rode to a 1-0 win.
Stefan Posch raced down the right flank totally unchallenged and after getting near the byline, cut it back inside the box for Sabitzer, who connected it with all the might to leave Tunisian custodian Mouhib Chamakh with no chance.
The Dortmund midfielder continued his goalscoring spree in 2026. First a penalty against Ghana, the lone goal against South Korea and now another match-winner against Tunisia. Three goals in three games for Sabitzer, who could well be their new talisman for goals now.
With such a phenomenal run, the 32-year-old, who now has 26 international goals to his name, will be keen to add to his tally at the World Cup as Austria face world champions Argentina, African giants Algeria and competition debutants Jordan in Group J.
Carney Chukwuemeka off the bench
But Sabitzer wasn't the only Dortmund player on the field last night. Carney Chukwuemeka was handed his third cap for Das Team after he was subbed in at the end of the break for Romano Schmid.
However, unlike his previous two games, the BVB star was rather off here, looking off the pace, struggling to get on the ball much and having minimal impact.
Given his lack of experience on the international stage, the 22-year-old could play a substitute role for Austria but has the talent to succed on the biggest stages.
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