On July 2nd, after being eliminated by Spain, Austrian captain David Alaba reflected on the team's defeat and emotions.

Austria's return to the FIFA World Cup in 2026 marked their first appearance since the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. Reaching the knockout stage was a significant achievement for the team, but a 3-0 defeat to favorites Spain in the round of 16 was still a tough pill to swallow.

"We certainly feel a sense of emptiness and sadness. Of course, we are very disappointed," captain Alaba said after the match. "The atmosphere in the locker room reflects that as well. But at the same time, we must also be proud of ourselves, as we have been over the past few weeks."

Speaking about Austria's return to the FIFA World Cup after 28 years, Alaba said it was a special experience in itself. Although the team was eliminated by favorites Spain, he emphasized that they were not there simply to "make up the numbers."

"We now have a team that dares to dream and has ambitious goals. If we cannot achieve those dreams, it really hurts."

The FIFA World Cup is over, but Austria's focus is already fixed on the future: in September, they will play Nations League matches, and in the long run, they hope that FIFA World Cup participation will no longer be an anomaly, but the norm.

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