EXCLUSIVE: Austria's Kevin Danso savouring the 'biggest dream' of playing at a World Cup

28 years. That is how long it took Austria to return to a World Cup. An entire generation separated Vienna from this tournament, and it is precisely a generation, that of Rangnick, Sabitzer and Danso, that finally brought the country back.

The Tottenham centre back is approaching what could be the most important tournament of his life with a sense of calm. In his mind, there is a quiet belief: Austria have not come merely to survive.

Flashscore: Kevin, in a few weeks you will be playing at a World Cup. When you hear those words now, what is the first emotion that springs to mind?

Danso: "A great sense of pride. As a child, the World Cup is the greatest dream you can have. I have worked my entire life to experience moments like this. Today, I mainly feel grateful to everyone who helped me reach this point, but also a great deal of excitement at the prospect 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 sense a special excitement surrounding this generation?

"Yes, certainly. We know we have the opportunity to write a significant chapter in Austrian football history. There is a lot of excitement around this team because people feel that there is something special about this group. We have talent, but more importantly, genuine unity and a strong collective mentality."

Do you feel that this World Cup is arriving at the best point of your career?

"I believe so. I have had various experiences in different leagues, and each step has aided my development. Today, I feel more complete, more mature and calmer than ever. I trust in my abilities, but also in the experience I have gained over the past few years."

Do you view yourself as a leader in this group?

"I am not someone who speaks simply for the sake of speaking. I mainly try to lead by example each day, through my work, my attitude and on the pitch. With experience, you naturally assume more responsibility. If I can help the younger players or bring stability to the group, I do so gladly."

What is the identity of the Austrian national team at present?

"Our identity is founded on intensity, courage and collective discipline. We are a team that works extremely hard for one another. Nobody is above the group. We want to be aggressive in a positive sense, press high, play with energy and set our own tempo."

What has Ralf Rangnick changed since his arrival?

"He introduced a very clear philosophy. Every player knows precisely what is expected of him. He gave us a strong identity and an ambitious mentality. He continually pushes us to step outside our comfort zone and to believe that we can compete with the best nations."

How would you describe your playing style?

"I like to defend going forward. I am a player who enjoys duels, who likes to protect his team and impose a physical presence. But modern football also requires 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 do not 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 are going there with the ambition to achieve something great for our country."