It's never too late! Ex-United boss makes World Cup bow at 67
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 16.06.26. | 19:31
Ralf Rangnick is about to make his WC debut with Austria as a veteran coach
For most football managers, a World Cup debut arrives much earlier in their careers. For Ralf Rangnick, it has taken until the age of 67.
The former Manchester United manager is set to lead Austria into their opening World Cup match against Jordan (Wednesday 7 am), marking his first appearance on football's biggest stage despite decades spent shaping the modern game.
Yet Rangnick is refusing to buy into suggestions that Austria should be considered overwhelming favourites.
The veteran coach has pointed to several surprise results already produced at the tournament, warning that reputations alone mean very little once the action begins.
"My players don't need any warning," Rangnick said ahead of the clash.
"They know exactly what kind of opponent they are facing. If the opening matches have shown us anything, it's how little you can rely on the favourite's tag nowadays."
Austria arrive at the tournament with high expectations, but Rangnick is determined to ensure his side avoid the complacency that has already caught out others. He cited Cape Verde's goalless draw with Spain and Australia's shock 2-0 victory over Turkey as proof that every team at the World Cup deserves respect.
"Our game plan is clear," he added. "I'm convinced that the defensive mistakes we made in the friendly against Tunisia won't happen again.
"Jordan like to draw opponents forward and then hit on the counter-attack with long, accurate passes. We have to approach this match as if it were a final.
"At the same time, we should play with freedom and joy. It would be wonderful if we could simply enjoy ourselves on the pitch during those 90 minutes."
For Rangnick, the occasion represents another landmark moment in a coaching career that has stretched across more than four decades. Widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern pressing football, the German has influenced generations of coaches and helped shape the tactical evolution of the game.
Now, after spells with clubs across Germany, Austria and England, he finally has the opportunity to test himself at a World Cup.
The Austrian boss also welcomed the tournament's mid-half cooling breaks, arguing that they provide coaches with a valuable opportunity to influence matches as they unfold.
"I think it's an excellent thing because the coaching staff can impact the team and change certain things," Rangnick explained.
To illustrate his point, he compared football with other major sports where strategic interruptions are commonplace.
"We recently watched the NBA Finals. There were 28.8 seconds left on the clock, and because of all the stoppages, those 28.8 seconds lasted almost 20 minutes."
Whether Austria can make a winning start remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: after a lifetime spent in football, Rangnick's long-awaited World Cup journey is finally about to begin.
WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE
Monday, 15.06.
Ivory Coast - Ecuador 1-0 (0-0)
/Diallo 90/
Sweden - Tunisia 5-1 (2-1)
/Ayari 7, 90+6, Isak 30, Gyokeres , Svanberg 84 - Rekik 43/
Spain - Cabo Verde 0-0
Belgium - Egypt 1-1 (0-1)
/Hany 66 og - Ashour 20/
Tuesday 16.06.
Saudi Arabia- Uruguay 1-1 (1-0)
/Amri 41 - Araujo 80/
Iran - New Zealand 2-2 (1-1)
/Ramin 33,Mohebi, 64- Just, 7,54/
22.00: (1.47) France (4.50) Senegal (6.75)
Wednesday
01.00: (12.0) Iraq (6.50) Norway (1.27)
04.00: (1.47) Argentina (4.60) Algeria (8.10)
07.00: (1.40) Austria (5.00) Jordan (9.00)
20.00: (1.30) Portugal (5.20) Dr Congo (11.0)
23.00: (1.75) England (3.90) Croatia (5.00)
Thursday
02.00: (2.25) Ghana (3.20) Panama (3.40)
05.00: (8.50) Uzbekistan (4.50) Colombia (1.42)
19.00: (1.80) Czech R. (3.50) S.Africa (4.70)
22.00: (1.65) Switzerland (3.60) B&H (5.80)
***odds are subject to change***