A Brief History of Austrian Football Austria has a rich football history dating back to the early 20th century, with the formation of the Österreichischer Fußball-Bund (the Austrian Football Association) in 1904. The Austrian national football team debuted in 1908, making them one of the oldest national teams in Europe. The glory days of Austrian […]
Austria has a rich football history dating back to the early 20th century, with the formation of the Österreichischer Fußball-Bund (the Austrian Football Association) in 1904. The Austrian national football team debuted in 1908, making them one of the oldest national teams in Europe. The glory days of Austrian football were in the 1930s, when the team was nicknamed ‘Wunderteam,’ managing to reach the semi-finals of both the 1934 FIFA World Cup and the 1954 FIFA World Cup. Although the Austrian team has experienced ups and downs since then, including a strong resurgence in the 1970s and 1990s, they remain a formidable presence on the international stage.
The traditional colors of the Austrian national football team are red and white, a reflection of the Austrian flag. Over the years, the team’s kit design has evolved, seen multiple aesthetic changes, and incorporated technologies to enhance performance.
A retro Austria football shirt, reminiscent of the iconic early days of Austrian football, typically features either a red or a white base, with a tri-color (red, white, and black) round collar. This retro design harkens back to the 1930s, when Austria began making waves on the international stage. The shirt usually includes the ÖFB logo and a number on the back — often paying tribute to historic Austrian players such as Matthias Sindelar or Toni Polster.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Austria’s football shirts incorporated the popular Adidas stripes (white for home kits, red for away kits) on the shoulders and sleeves. As the sport’s fashion and style evolved into the 1990s and 2000s, the designs became more intricate, with red and white-paneled shirts accompanied by black accents, reflecting the team’s nickname ‘Das Team.’ The most recent Austria shirt features a classic red and white color scheme with a bold, graphic print inspired by the national flag’s red and white stripes. This shirt is a contemporary take on the retro Austrian football shirt and is a representation of the proud history of Austrian football.
The Ernst-Happel-Stadion, located in Austria’s capital city, Vienna, holds immense significance in Austrian football history. Named after the legendary Austrian coach Ernst Happel, this stadium has hosted numerous critical games and events, including the crowning moment of Happel’s career when led the national team to the 1954 World Cup semifinals.
With a capacity for over 50,000 spectators, Ernst-Happel-Stadion is the largest stadium in Austria, making it the perfect setting for home games and international tournaments. The stadium, built in 1931, was originally known as the Praterstadion, and it has undergone several renovations to meet the modern needs of football players and fans.
Hosting games for the 2008 UEFA European Championship and the 1964 European Nations Cup (where Austria reached the semi-finals), Ernst-Happel-Stadion is a cherished symbol among fans and players alike, representing the passion and dedication of Austrian football held within its walls.
The golden era of Austrian football introduced the world to some exceptional and legendary players such as Matthias Sindelar, “The Paper Man,” known for his agility and dribbling skills. Sindelar was the central figure during the 1930s ‘Wunderteam’ era, scoring 26 goals in 43 appearances for the national team.
Another Austrian football legend is Anton “Toni” Polster, who scored an impressive 44 goals in 95 appearances for the national team between 1982 and 2000. Polster played a crucial role in Austria’s 1990 FIFA World Cup campaign, where they reached the round of 16.
Additionally, Andreas Herzog, also known as ‘Andi,’ is recognized as one of Austria’s finest playmakers, earning 103 caps for the national team while scoring 26 goals. Herzog, a formidable midfielder, played an essential role in Austria’s qualification for the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
Finally, David Alaba, born in Vienna to a Nigerian father and a Filipino mother, currently stands as an influential and versatile footballer in the Austrian team, having made his debut in 2009. Alaba has since earned more than 70 caps and scored over 10 goals for the national team, making him a pivotal figure in the contemporary era of Austrian football history.
Retro Austria football shirts hold a special place in the hearts of football fans, embodying the rich history of Austrian football and the unforgettable players and moments associated with it. From the iconic red and white colors to the legendary Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Austrian football has made its mark on the international stage, and its retro shirts serve as a reminder of the nation’s contributions to the sport.
