Wales vs Austria - Coleman not daunted by World Cup qualifying task

Posted Saturday, September 02, 2017 by PA

Chris Coleman remains undaunted by the size of Wales' World Cup task and admits he would not be bothered if they had to beat "Brazil, Spain and Germany" to reach next summer's finals in Russia.

Wales are playing catch-up in Group D with four points to make up on the top two of Serbia and the Republic of Ireland.

Coleman's side have four games left to claw back that deficit - Austria and the Republic at home and Moldova and Georgia away.

But the Wales manager is supremely confident that can be done, although maximum points might be needed to finish top or even claim a play-off spot.

"We can do it (win the last four games) and that's no disrespect to Austria, Moldova, Georgia and the Republic of Ireland," Coleman said ahead of Austria's visit to Cardiff on Saturday.

"I know this is a statement, but I'll say it - it could be Brazil, Spain and Germany.

"I have that much confidence in our players and in our team, especially here in this (Cardiff City) stadium when it's full.

"If we get it right then there's nobody we need to fear. That's a definite.

"We don't have to be afraid of anyone. But we're only looking at one game.

"We've always done that and one game is always winnable, no matter who it is against."

The two sides drew 2-2 in Vienna last October when West Ham's Marko Arnautovic twice cancelled out a Wales lead.

But there is a real knife-edge feel about this game as Austria are in the same position as Wales.

Austria also have eight points from six games, and Coleman admits the group situation will add to the occasion.

"These last four games are like a mini-tournament. They're do-or-die, depending on what the other results are," Coleman said.

"One of us could be dropping out if it's a negative result, so I don't think either team is going into the game looking for a draw.

"Both teams have exciting players capable of scoring goals, so I can see an open game.

"A draw doesn't do either of us any good so you would imagine something will have to give.

"This was always going to be a tight group, with four similar and very strong teams, I feel it will go right to the wire."

Marcel Koller accepts he might be forced to take risks to keep Austria's World Cup hopes alive in Cardiff.

The gap between his side and the top two could be greater by kick-off with Serbia at home to the group's bottom team Moldova and the Republic away to Georgia earlier in the evening.

"Maybe it's an advantage for the other teams playing earlier," Austria manager Koller said at his pre-match press conference.

"So if the situation requires we will just really have to go for it.

"Both teams need to win, my colleague from Wales (Coleman) knows that as well.

"We would prefer to have more points because now we have to try and catch up the other sides.

"Of course it depends on the other games of Ireland and Serbia what happens, but it will be very difficult for the team that loses here to qualify."