EXCLUSIVE: Austria’s Kevin Danso relishing ‘biggest dream’ of playing at World Cup
Austria are again, they usually’re not simply at the World Cup to make up the numbers. Central defender and chief, Kevin Danso, lays out the ambitions of a squad dreaming of being a harmful outsider, solely to Flashscore.
28 years. That’s how lengthy it took Austria to return to a World Cup. An whole technology separated Vienna from this occasion, and it is exactly a technology – that of Rangnick, Sabitzer, Danso – that lastly introduced the nation again.
Tottenham’s central defender is approaching, maybe, crucial match of his life with calmness. In his mindset, a quiet conviction: Austria hasn’t come simply to outlive.
Flashscore: Kevin, in just a few weeks you may be playing in a World Cup. When you hear these phrases in the present day, what is the first emotion that involves thoughts?
Danso: “A lot of pride. When you’re a child, the World Cup is the biggest dream you can have. I’ve worked my whole life to experience moments like this. Today, I mostly feel gratitude towards everyone who helped me get here, but also a lot of excitement at the thought of representing my country on the biggest stage in world football.”
Austria are again at a World Cup after a 28-year wait. Do you are feeling a particular pleasure round this technology?
“Yes, definitely. We know we have the chance to write an important chapter in Austrian football history. There’s a lot of excitement around this team because people sense there’s something special about this group. We have talent, but above all, real unity and a strong collective mentality.”
Do you are feeling that this World Cup is coming at the very best second of your profession?
“I think so. I’ve had different experiences, in several leagues, and each step has helped me progress. Today, I feel more complete, more mature, and calmer than ever. I trust in my abilities but also in the experience I’ve gained over the past few years.”
Do you see your self as a frontrunner on this group?
“I’m not someone who talks just for the sake of talking. I mainly try to lead by example every day, through my work, my attitude, and on the pitch. With experience, you naturally take on more responsibility. If I can help the younger players or bring stability to the group, I do it gladly.”
What is the id of the Austrian nationwide crew in the present day?
“Our identity is based on intensity, courage, and collective discipline. We’re a team that works incredibly hard for each other. No one is above the group. We want to be aggressive in a positive way, press high, play with energy, and set our own tempo.”
What has Ralf Rangnick modified since he arrived?
“He brought a very clear philosophy. Every player knows exactly what’s expected of him. He gave us a strong identity and an ambitious mentality. He constantly pushes us to step out of our comfort zone and believe we can compete with the best nations.”
How would you outline your playing model?
“I like to defend going forward. I’m a player who enjoys duels, who likes to protect his team and impose a physical presence. But modern football also demands a lot of composure on the ball and good decision-making. So I try to combine aggression, defensive intelligence, and quality in building from the back.”
What would a profitable World Cup appear like for Austria?
“The first step is obviously to get out of our group, but we don’t want to set any limits for ourselves. In a tournament like the World Cup, anything is possible when you have a united and ambitious group. We respect every team, but we’re going there with the ambition to achieve something great for our country.”
Follow Austria’s first match with Flashscore.
