Austria captain Marcel Sabitzer set an example as his team beat Romania 2-1 at the Ernst Happel Stadium, opening their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in style.

Just eight minutes had elapsed when referee Maurizio Mariani turned down two early appeals for penalties. The fast-paced start to the match continued with Horatiu Moldovan producing a fine save to prevent Sabitzer from scoring.

Austria continued to dominate the search for the opening goal before half-time, but it initially seemed that Das Team would have to settle for a goalless draw at the break, as Moldovan denied Sabitzer twice and acrobatically kept out Romano Schmid’s fierce strike.

However, that all changed in the 42nd minute when Wober headed the ball back into the danger zone, where Michael Gregoritsch volleyed it in powerfully.

Austria fortuitously sealed the victory after 60 minutes: Sabitzer finally got his name on the scoresheet with a strike from just outside the area that took a double deflection before beating Moldovan at his near post.

Despite being two goals ahead, Austria were indebted to Patrick Pentz in the closing stages as he made two stunning saves to prevent Nicolae Stanciu’s set piece and substitute Adrian Sutu’s ambitious long-range effort from setting up an intriguing finale.

Denis Alibec headed in a late consolation goal for Romania with the last kick of the match. However, it was too late to spoil Austria's opening day success in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which puts them in a strong position for their match against Group H outsiders San Marino on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Romania will return home to familiar surroundings when they host Cyprus.