Paul Wanner
PSVAM
Creative Playmaker
Dec 23, 2005 (20)
Left
6'1"
159 lb
Only posts defensive stats in Spain tilt
Wanner registered one block, one clearance and one interception and had one tackle (zero won) in Thursday's 3-0 defeat against Spain.
Analysis: Wanner returned to the XI after dealing with an ailment and went the full 90 minutes for the first time in the tournament, but his impact in the final third was severely lacking, primarily because of the match-up and the negative game plan. He had no goal contributions during the World Cup and logged just one off-target shot, one key pass and one cross (zero accurate).
Cleared fit, available Saturday
Wanner rejoined full team training on Friday evening ahead of Saturday's decisive World Cup group game against Algeria, confirming his fitness after the minor calf injury sustained against Argentina, according to Sky Sport Austria.
Analysis: Wanner took part in the media-open portion of training at Sporting Kansas City's stadium alongside the rest of the squad, and an MRI on Thursday returned no findings of concern. The 20-year-old PSV midfielder is expected to be available for Saturday's clash, with the OFB confirming all players are fit for the decisive match to secure a place in the knockout stage.
MRI after calf knock
Wanner underwent an MRI in Santa Barbara on Thursday after taking a knock to the calf during Monday's 2-0 defeat against Argentina, with sporting director Peter Schottel expressing optimism that it is nothing serious, according to Sky Sport Austria. "We think it's nothing serious."
Analysis: Wanner was forced off in the 68th minute against Argentina after taking a knock to the calf, and the precautionary MRI leaves his availability for Saturday's group-stage finale against Algeria in Kansas City up in the air. The young PSV midfielder had stepped into the playmaking role vacated by the tournament-ending muscular injury to Christoph Baumgartner, with sporting director Schottel confirming preparations for Algeria are moving forward regardless of Wanner's status as Austria searches for answers following the loss of one of its key pieces. Michael Gregoritsch is the leading candidate to crack the starting XI if Wanner isn't cleared in time.
Starts on Monday
Wanner recorded one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Monday's 2-0 loss against Argentina.
Analysis: Wanner created a chance and regularly looked to attack defenders, though his end product was inconsistent. He missed a good opportunity and won only three of 12 ground duels. He also failed to track Lionel Messi's run for the opener and was criticized for the same.
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