Alaba leaves Austria’s World Cup future wide open
Austria’s captain hints at international retirement after Round of 16 exit, leaving a leadership vacuum and a historic run’s legacy in question.
Austria’s captain David Alaba has left his international future unclear after the team’s Round of 16 exit at the World Cup, a 2-1 defeat to Spain in Doha. The 33-year-old, who captained Austria to their first knockout-stage berth in 28 years, suggested this could be his final appearance for the national team. Austria’s tournament run ended with a late goal by substitute Alvaro Morata sealing their fate in stoppage time.
Alaba, a veteran of 113 caps and a leader in Austria’s defensive transition, had anchored a side that defied pre-tournament expectations. The team’s progress included a 1-0 win over Denmark in the group stage, followed by a nervy 2-1 victory over the United States in the Round of 16 qualifier. Their campaign ended in Doha with a 2-1 loss to Spain, where Morata’s 83rd-minute strike broke Austrian hearts and triggered Alaba’s post-match comments.
