Franz Swoboda

Franz Swoboda (February 15, 1933 – July 27, 2017) was an Austrian football player. He played as defender mainly for FK Austria Wien. He also played for the Austrian national football team. For them he took part  in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.
Career 
Franz Swoboda came out of the youth ranks of Austria Wien. He played his first match in the highest league  in 1950/51. However he had little chance of becoming a regular due to strong positions of Karl Kowanz and Karl Stotz. In his first championship title in 1952/53, he played only 11 of the 26 league games. From 1954/55 Franz Swoboda was a regular left defender because of a change in the playing system.

In the 1960-61 season, Franz Swoboda on the league title for the second time. In April 1961 he suffered a severe injury.  A failed operation and a long illness effectively ended his career. An attempt at a comeback with Austria Wien over two years later was unsuccessful.
International 
He debuted in the national team on 16 October 1955 in a 1-6 loss versus Hungary. His last match was a 2-1 win versus Italy  on 10 December 1960. Overall he played 23 matches. ÖFB Players profile  For Austria he played in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.
International statistics
Transfermarkt.at 
+ Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoals  Austria195530195610195770195860195910196050Total 230

Honours 
 3 Austrian Champions: 1953, 1961, 1963
 1 Austrian Cup: 1960
 Participation in the 1958 FIFA World Cup 
 23 international matches for the Austria from 1955 to 1960

References 

Category:1933 births
Category:2017 deaths
Category:Austrian footballers
Category:Players of the Austrian national football team
Category:1958 FIFA World Cup players
Category:Association football defenders
Category:FK Austria Wien players
Category:Austrian football defenders
Category:Austria at the 1958 FIFA World Cup
Category:Austrian football champions