Austria's Arnautovic reveals panic attack during Nations League game
Austria striker Marko Arnautovic experienced a minor panic attack during the 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Nations League play-off against Serbia on Thursday.
Shortly after the match began, the forward had to receive treatment following a fall in the opponent's penalty area.
"I felt immense pressure in the upper abdominal area, and at the same moment, I had a panic attack," the 35-year-old told reporters. "I felt nauseous and dizzy. I don't know why, but then everything was fine. The doctor gave me some kind of remedy, and then I kept going."
Ralf Rangnick's team missed out on a clear victory at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium.
"We completely dominated. Of course, it was also a bit my fault that we didn't win," said Arnautovic, who failed to convert several chances.
In the return leg on Sunday in Belgrade, Austria are not only competing for promotion to the Nations League's top division but also aiming for a successful dress rehearsal ahead of their World Cup 2026 qualifiers, which begin in June.
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