Wales were 'lucky' to reach Euro 2016 semi-finals, says Austria's Marcel Koller
Wednesday 5 October 2016 15:46, UK
Austria head coach Marcel Koller says up to three players will be marking Gareth Bale in their World Cup qualifier against Wales, who he believes were "lucky" to reach the Euro 2016 semi-finals.
Wales continued their strong showing at this summer's European Championship into qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, beating Moldova 4-0 in their opening Group D fixture, and will be looking for further success when they take on Austria on Thursday, live on Sky Sports 1.
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Austria were much fancied heading into Euro 2016 after winning nine of their qualifying games but crashed out in the group stage in France without a win.
However, Koller's side also opened their bid to reach the World Cup in Russia in two years' time with a 2-1 win over Georgia last month, and the Austria coach suggested Wales' current higher standing may be down to fortune.
"It will be a close match tomorrow and I think we can win the game," Koller said at his pre-match press conference.
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"You need to be lucky as well. That is what we saw in the Euros. Wales were lucky sometimes and sometimes you need to be lucky such as when a striker shoots against the crossbar or the post.
"During the Euros they were lucky that a match did not turn in another direction. I think that helped the Welsh team get a really good portion of self-confidence.
"Nobody really expected the Welsh team to be in the semi-finals before the European Championships."
Gareth Bale's brace in the opening World Cup qualifier took his international scoring record to 24 goals in 62 appearances and within four of equalling Ian Rush's record Wales tally.
Koller denied that Wales are dependent on the Real Madrid forward but revealed he will be taking special measures to stop Chris Coleman's match winner.
"What needs to be added is I think [Wales] are actually the favourites for this group," Koller said.
"At the Euros they showed discipline in defence and they were very dangerous in offence.
"I don't think Wales is only Bale. Al the players try to create offensive possibilities and they are very dangerous.
"But we saw during the Euros [Bale] can win games on his own.
"We will not only have only player chasing after him. We will have two or three players in close vicinity to disturb him as soon as possible."
Austria are without injured Hannover 96 striker Martin Harnik, who has scored 14 international goals, with Sturm Graz's Deni Alar taking his place in the squad.
