Walter Nausch facts for kids
Walter Nausch (born February 5, 1907, in Vienna; died July 11, 1957, in Obertraun, Upper Austria) was a famous Austrian football player and coach. He mostly played for FK Austria Wien, a well-known football club. He was also a key member of Austria's famous "Wunderteam" (Wonder Team) of the 1930s. Later, as a coach, he led the Austrian national football team to a fantastic third place in the 1954 FIFA World Cup. This was the best result an Austrian team has ever achieved in this major tournament.
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Playing Career
Walter Nausch started his football journey at smaller clubs before joining FK Austria Wien in 1923. At that time, the club was called Wiener Amateur-SV. Unlike many players of his time, Walter came from a middle-class family in Vienna. In 1924, he helped his team win the Austrian championship. This was the only championship he won as a player.
Between 1925 and 1929, he played for another club, WAC. But he soon returned to FK Austria Wien. There, he and Matthias Sindelar became very important players. They helped shape the team's playing style in the 1930s. Even though Walter was mainly a midfielder, he was very versatile. He could also play as a forward (attacker) or a defender when needed.
International Success
Walter Nausch achieved great success in the 1930s by winning the Mitropa Cup twice. This competition was an early version of what is now the UEFA Champions League. It was a big deal for European clubs back then!
His first victory was in 1933 against Inter Milan. The scores were 1-2 and 3-1, meaning Austria Wien won overall. The second win came in 1936 against Slavia Praha, with scores of 0-0 and 1-0.
From 1929 to 1937, Walter played in 39 matches for the Austrian national football team. He was a key part of the famous "Wunderteam." This team was known for its amazing skills and teamwork. Sadly, he could not play in the 1934 FIFA World Cup. He had a serious injury during a match against Bulgaria.
Difficult Times and Bravery
After Austria was taken over in 1938, FK Austria Wien faced tough times. This was because many players and officials at the club had Jewish backgrounds. The club's name was even changed to Sportclub Ostmark.
Walter Nausch was very popular, and this helped protect him. He often showed that he did not agree with the new rulers. When he wanted to coach the team, he was told to leave his wife, who was of Jewish origin. Walter bravely refused to do this. Instead, he moved to Switzerland to protect his family. There, he became a coach and player for a team called Zürcher Young Fellows.
Coaching Career
In 1948, Walter Nausch returned to Austria. He became the coach of the Austrian national football team. He coached the team from 1948 until 1954. During this time, he built a very strong team. It included star players like Zeman, Happel, Hanappi, Ocwirk, Probst, and Stojaspal.
This new team was almost as successful as the old "Wunderteam." Their biggest achievement was reaching third place in the 1954 FIFA World Cup. This was a historic moment for Austrian football! After coaching the national team, he went back to his old club, FK Austria Wien. He coached them from 1954 to 1955.
Walter Nausch passed away in 1957.
Achievements
- As a Player
- 2 x Mitropa Cup: 1933, 1936
- 1 x Austrian Champion: 1924
- 5 x Austrian Cup: 1924, 1925, 1933, 1935, 1936
- Played 39 matches for Austria between 1929 and 1937
- As a Coach
- 3rd place FIFA World Cup: 1954
See also
In Spanish: Walter Nausch para niños
