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Andreas DoberAustrian footballer, defender
Date of Birth: 31.03.1986
Country:  Austria |
Content:
- Andreas Dober: A Profile of an Austrian Football Defender
- Rise in Prominence and European Nights
- International Debut and European Championship Hopes
Andreas Dober: A Profile of an Austrian Football Defender
Early Career and Club Success with Rapid WienAustrian footballer Andreas Dober began his footballing journey at the tender age of seven, joining the youth team of Vienna-based club Rapid Wien. After a brief stint with Altach's junior team, he returned to Rapid Wien. Dober made his first-team debut for Rapid Wien in 2004, making five appearances during the 2003/2004 season.
Despite appearing in just one game in 2004/2005, Dober was sent on loan to Altach. His return to Rapid Wien, who had won the Austrian Bundesliga title in 2004/2005 and qualified for the UEFA Champions League 2005/2006, gave Dober the opportunity to establish himself as a regular in the starting eleven.
Rise in Prominence and European Nights
At just 18 years old, Dober became a mainstay in Rapid Wien's defense. In 2005/2006, he made 23 league appearances, scoring once. In the Champions League, despite Rapid Wien's group stage elimination, Dober's performances in the third qualifying round against FC Lokomotiv Moscow were commendable.
The following season, Dober's playing time reduced slightly, as he featured in 12 league matches for Rapid Wien. However, coach Peter Pacult showed more faith in the young defender in 2007/2008, awarding him 24 appearances and four goals. Rapid Wien lifted the Austrian Bundesliga title that season, and Dober extended his contract with the club until 2011.
International Debut and European Championship Hopes
Dober made his debut for the Austrian national team on October 8, 2005, in a match against England. He was named to the provisional squad for the 2008 European Championship in Austria and Switzerland but ultimately failed to make the final roster.
