28 years. That's how long it took Austria to return to a World Cup. An entire generation separated Vienna from this event, and it's precisely a generation - that of Rangnick, Sabitzer, Danso - that finally brought the country back.
Tottenham's central defender is approaching, perhaps, the most important tournament of his life with calmness. In his mindset, a quiet conviction: Austria haven't come just to survive.
Flashscore: Kevin, in a few weeks you'll be playing in a World Cup. When you hear those words today, what's the first emotion that comes to mind?
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 back at a World Cup after a 28-year wait. Do you feel a special excitement around this generation?
"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 feel that this World Cup is coming at the best moment of your career?
"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 yourself as a leader in 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 identity of the Austrian national team today?
"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 changed 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 define your playing style?
"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 successful World Cup look 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.
