Sasa Kalajdzic
CF
Playmaking Forward
Jul 7, 1997 (28)
Right
6'7"
198 lb
Plays hero role in draw
Kalajdzic scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 3-3 draw versus Algeria.
Analysis: Kalajdzic entered the game in stoppage time right after Riyad Mahrez had given Algeria a 3-2 lead, a result that was eliminating Austria from the tournament, but Kalajdzic had other plans. The striker headed home his first touch of the game to salvage a draw, sending Austria to face Spain the Round of 32. Despite being the unsung hero for Austria, Kalajdzic should continue to play a bench role for the European side with Marko Arnautovic likely to continue as the starting forward.
Unimpressive against Jordan
Kalajdzic logged two shots (zero on goal) and one chance created across 45 minutes during Austria's 3-1 win Tuesday against Jordan.
Analysis: Last season, Kalajdzic logged six goals and five assists across 23 appearances for LASK, which Austria's national team deemed sufficient to receive a nomination for the World Cup. Even better, he earned a start over fellow striker Marko Arnautovic, Austria's best-ever goalscorer. Unfortunately for Kalajdzic, he struggled so much that his last impression was an erratic shot as a means to get him going. For the second half, he was replaced by Arnautovic, who scored Austria's third goal. It would not be surprising if the Austrians revert to using Arnautovic as their main forward up top.
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