Austria and Turkey, both making it to the last 16 after dramatic finishes to their group-stage campaigns, will face off in Leipzig on Tuesday evening in Euro 2024. The winner will advance to the quarter-finals to play either the Netherlands or Romania.
Austria, one of Europe's in-form teams, topped Group D by defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in an exciting match at Berlin's Olympiastadion. Ralf Rangnick's squad, placed in a tough group with the Netherlands and favorites France, secured six points out of a possible nine, finishing ahead of Les Bleus, who drew 1-1 with an already-eliminated Poland. Austria captain Marcel Sabitzer scored an 80th-minute winner to clinch first place after an initial defeat to France and a 3-1 victory over Poland.
This marks a significant achievement for Austria, who previously failed to advance past the group stage in their first two Euros in 2008 and 2016. Now in the knockout phase of a major tournament for only the fourth time, Austria aims to reach their first European Championship quarter-final, having won 14 of their last 19 matches, losing just twice since Rangnick took charge in June 2022.
In a friendly match earlier this year, Austria defeated Turkey 6-1 in Vienna, with Michael Gregoritsch scoring a hat-trick. However, in competitive matches, Turkey remains unbeaten in their last five games against Austria, with their last encounter ending in a 0-0 draw during Euro 2012 qualifying.
Turkey's dramatic 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in their final Group F game secured their spot in the last 16. Veteran striker Cenk Tosun scored in second-half stoppage time to ensure their progress.
Despite knowing a draw would suffice and playing most of the match with a one-man advantage, Turkey faced a tense situation after conceding a goal following Hakan Calhanoglu's 51st-minute strike. Tosun's late goal not only sparked chaos but also helped Turkey finish second in the group after a 3-1 win over Georgia and a 3-0 loss to Portugal.
Led by Vincenzo Montella, Turkey's youthful squad, averaging the second-youngest starting XI during the group stage, has advanced to the latter stages of the Euros for the third time ever and the first since 2008, when they reached the semi-finals.
Despite Austria's proximity to the host nation, Turkey is expected to have strong support from the many Turkish emigrants who have settled in Germany over the past 60 years.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Ralf Rangnick's return to Leipzig, where he enjoyed several successful years as a coach and advisor, will see the 66-year-old make at least one change to his winning team, as Wolfsburg winger Patrick Wimmer is suspended. Either Konrad Laimer or Christoph Baumgartner, who has been involved in nine goals in his last eight international appearances, is expected to step up from the bench.In attack, record caps-holder Marko Arnautovic will compete with Michael Gregoritsch to lead the line, while in central defense, any two from Max Wober, Kevin Danso, Gernot Trauner, and Philipp Lienhart could start.
On the Turkish side, Vincenzo Montella will be without captain Hakan Calhanoglu and center-back Samet Akaydin, both suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Abdulkerim Bardakci, returning from suspension, is likely to partner with Merih Demiral in central defense. In midfield, Okay Yokuslu, Kaan Ayhan, and Orkun Kokcu are in contention to replace Calhanoglu.
First-choice goalkeeper Mert Gunok, who missed the match against Portugal due to a knee injury, has returned to training and is expected to start. If Juventus star Kenan Yildiz (19 years and 59 days) and Real Madrid's Arda Guler (19 years and 128 days) are both selected, it will mark only the second time a nation has started two teenagers in a knockout game at the Euros, the first being in 1964.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Austria possible starting lineup:Pentz; Posch, Danso, Lienhart, Mwene; Seiwald, Grillitsch; Schmid, Baumgartner, Sabitzer; Arnautovic
Turkey possible starting lineup:
Gunok; Muldur, Demiral, Bardakci, Kadioglu; Yuksek, Yokuslu; Kahveci, Guler, Yildiz; Yilmaz
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
Netherlands 3-2 Turkey
The Turkish team boasts considerable talent capable of overcoming any opponent, yet they struggle defensively and will feel the absence of their captain in Leipzig.
Austria, no longer flying under the radar, must manage heightened expectations. However, as one of the best-organized teams in the tournament, they have a strong chance of advancing to the quarter-finals.
