Für Südburgenland/Hartberg begins its 2026 campaign with a challenging fixture, traveling to Vienna to face Austria Wien in the third round of the ÖFB Frauen Cup on Saturday. The match, scheduled for , pits the SPG Südburgenland/TSV Hartberg against one of the top teams in Austrian women’s football.
Despite acknowledging Austria Wien’s status as favorites, Südburgenland/Hartberg coach Michael Thek remains focused. “We are outsiders,” Thek stated, recognizing the uphill battle his team faces. The preparation for the season has largely been positive, with new players integrating well into the squad. However, the team has been hampered by illness and injuries in the lead-up to the match.
A significant setback occurred during a recent friendly against Krottendorf, where newly signed striker Hanna Kiss-Lantos suffered a severe knee injury – a torn cruciate ligament – that will sideline her for an extended period. “That’s bitter, because we searched for a long time for a suitable striker,” Thek explained, lamenting the loss of a key offensive player. Despite this blow, Thek is determined to maintain momentum and focus on the task at hand.
The ÖFB Frauen Cup represents an early opportunity for Südburgenland/Hartberg to test themselves against the best in Austria. Austria Wien has consistently been a dominant force in the Austrian Frauen Bundesliga, and a victory over them would be a significant achievement for the visiting team. The cup competition provides a different dynamic than league play, often characterized by unpredictable results and high stakes.
The match at Generali Arena in Vienna is set to kick off at . According to web search results, Austria Wien also faced SpG Südburgenland / TSV Hartberg in a previous match, suggesting a developing rivalry between the two teams. While specific details of that prior encounter aren’t available, it adds another layer of intrigue to this upcoming cup tie.
The Südburgenland/Hartberg squad will need to be at their best to overcome the challenge posed by Austria Wien. The team’s ability to overcome adversity, particularly in light of Kiss-Lantos’ injury, will be crucial. Thek will likely emphasize a disciplined defensive approach and look for opportunities to exploit any weaknesses in the Austria Wien defense.
Looking ahead, the Austrian Frauen Bundesliga is shaping up to be a competitive season. A recent web search result points to a match between First Vienna W and St. Pölten W on , indicating the league is already underway. Austria Wien’s strong form suggests they will be among the contenders for the league title, making this cup match an important benchmark for Südburgenland/Hartberg’s progress.
Betting predictions, as noted in web search results, favor Over 1.5 Goals in the match between Südburgenland W and Austria Wien W, suggesting an expectation of a relatively open and attacking game. This aligns with the attacking strengths of both teams, although the tactical approach adopted by Thek may prioritize defensive solidity.
The ÖFB Cup offers a pathway to European competition for the winning team, adding further incentive for both sides to perform at their best. A strong cup run could provide valuable experience and exposure for Südburgenland/Hartberg, even if they ultimately fall short of lifting the trophy. The match against Austria Wien represents a significant test of their capabilities and a chance to make a statement in Austrian women’s football.
The injury to Hanna Kiss-Lantos is a major blow, but Thek is confident that his team can adapt and overcome the setback. The focus will be on finding a suitable replacement and ensuring that the team remains competitive. The upcoming match against Austria Wien will provide a clear indication of whether Südburgenland/Hartberg can rise to the challenge and compete with the top teams in the league.
The Südburgenland/Hartberg team will be looking to build on their preparations and deliver a strong performance on Saturday. The match against Austria Wien is a significant test, and the outcome will have implications for their season as a whole. The team’s ability to execute their game plan and capitalize on any opportunities will be key to their success.
