Ambassador says one word will endear KC fans to Austria’s World Cup visitors
We know of at least one high-profile visitor who will be at Kansas City Stadium (née Arrowhead) for Saturday night’s World Cup match between Austria and Algeria.
The winner of that game will clinch second place in Group J, behind Argentina, and punch their ticket to the knockout round.
Dr. Petra Schneebauer, Austria’s ambassador to the United States, will be at the match. And she expects a strong showing from her nation’s fans.
Schneebauer shared a tip for fans who might come across an Austrian fan.
“Austrians are very open-minded and enjoy meeting new people,” Schneebauer wrote in an email. “They love to have a good time and experience local culture. If you meet Austrian fans, you can always greet them with ‘Servus,’ a traditional Austrian word used for both ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye.’”
It’s good to have that tidbit for getting on the good side of an Austrian supporter, right? But there’s more. It seems there is a favorite song that is played when fans get together.
“A little secret that will instantly bond you with any Austrian fan: We have an unofficial anthem, a beloved pop song by Rainhard Fendrich called ‘I Am from Austria,’” Schneebauer said. “Released in 1990, it has become the soundtrack of Austrian pride at sporting events around the world.
“When Austrian fans hear it — or hear someone else acknowledge it — something lights up. It is not our formal national anthem, but in the stands, at the fan zones, in the streets after a match, you will hear it sung with more heart than almost anything else.”
While excited to see Austria play, Schneebauer might not come to Kansas City simply for the soccer.
There seems to be a chance Schneebauer will head to the Warehouse District for a meal at a Kansas City restaurant.
“I have not visited Kansas City before, which makes this trip even more exciting,” Schneebauer said. “I understand that the city is home to Grünauer, a traditional Austrian Gasthaus. Whenever I travel, I enjoy discovering the connections between Austria and the places I visit.”
