Austrian have the class to go all the way at Euro 2024 after an impressive group stage, the nation's football legend Hans Krankl believes.
"Austria doesn't have to hide from anyone. Anything is possible at this European Championship - even up to the final. For me, Austria is currently one of the two best teams at this tournament, along with Spain," Krankl told portal Sport1.
"Our team has played very well so far, it looks very homogeneous. And the boys have now confirmed their great form ahead of this European Championship."
Austria won a tough group ahead of France and the Netherlands. They face Turkey in the last 16 on Tuesday and could meet the Dutch again in the quarter-finals.
Krankl, 71, made himself immortal in Austria with a 3-2 winner against West Germany at the 1978 World Cup. He was national team coach 2002-2005.
He said that the current success is largely owed to coach Ralf Rangnick who has been in charge since 2022, and whose counter pressing is executed well by the players.
"Taking over this team was good for Rangnick. This team can and wants to play the kind of football it likes. It fits together very well," Krankl said.
"Rangnick is in the right place at the right time."
Krankl said that Rangnick made a good decision to snub German top club Bayern Munich last month and continue with the Austrian side beyond the Euros.
"Rangnick must feel much more comfortable than at FC Bayern. You have to put up with a lot in Munich. Maybe that's what stopped him from signing there," Krankl said.
"Besides, he wouldn't have the sole say at FC Bayern. And Rangnick wants the sole power. He has the say at the Austrian national team. Rangnick certainly wouldn't have had that at Bayern."
