"We're massive underdogs," Austria coach Ralf Rangnick conceded. "We couldn't be more of an underdog than we are in this game. We'd probably lose seven, eight or even nine matches out of ten against Spain. We have to make sure [this] isn't the tenth one."
After taking on defending champions Argentina in the group stage of the , Austria's next challenge is a meeting with UEFA EURO champions Spain in the Round of 32 — a team full of global superstars that have yet to concede a single goal at the global showpiece.
The task could not be harder for Austria as they prepare for their first knockout game since Spain 1982. But after showing intense fighting spirit to secure in their final group stage match, Rangnick is confident his underdogs will show some bite once again.
"We'll need everyone to be at their very best. We have to be outstanding tactically and physically," the coach added. "We've already played the reigning world champions and [next] we are playing the reigning European champions... and if we do pull off an upset, Cristiano Ronaldo [and Portugal] could be waiting in the next match.
"We've got nothing to lose and a great deal to gain. I see it as a duty to give absolutely everything... to run and sprint like our lives depend on it and be ready to put everything we've got into this match."
As they prepare to take on La Roja, Austria are still on a dizzying high following the chaos in Kansas City — a World Cup match for the ages in which Riyad Mahrez gave Algeria 3-2 lead in the 93rd minute of regulation, only for Sasa Kalajdzic to level in the final moments to cue complete pandemonium.
"In the last 40 years I've been a coach, I can't remember a match with this much drama. I don't think we'll see anything like it for many years. You simply can't make it up, it was unbelievable," Rangnick added.
"No matter how far we go now, whether we progress or not, nobody will ever forget that match. Not the players, nor anyone on the coaching staff. The fans in the stadium or those watching on TV won't ever forget those 120 seconds."
Austria captain David Alaba added: "Those last few minutes in Kansas City will definitely go down in the history books. It was crazy, totally crazy. It was 3-2 against us... on the bench we were done. Marko [Arnautovic] was sitting two metres away from me, we were totally speechless.
"We'd mentally packed our bags. And then a few minutes later, Sasa scored to make it 3-3. I think we all set off towards him and the corner flag... we were all really emotional. It was definitely an emotional rollercoaster."
The victory also provided an early birthday present to Rangnick, who turned 68 two days later. "In a way they have already given me [the best present] - the final minute of that match," said the coach who also received a cake from the squad, alongside fellow birthday boy Martin Hammerle, who is a member of the coaching staff.
The ultimate gift, though, would be a victory against Lamine Yamal and Co.
"We obviously know what kind of team we're up against. Spain have a huge amount of quality. Individuals who can decide games," Alaba added. "We're not going to shy away from that. We know our qualities, we know our strengths. If we bring them to the pitch, we can take on a team like theirs, and maybe even beat them.
"That is our goal, of course. We're going to throw everything at winning. We know anything is possible in football. We know special things happen World Cup knockout games. Anything's possible. It's clearly not going to be easy but we're going to give it everything."
Sources: FIFA Official
