Funsclub Logo

Suspension-plagued Turkey faces challenging match against Austria

Suspension-plagued Turkey faces challenging match against Austria

Austria surprised everyone by finishing on top of Group D ahead of France and the Netherlands. Now, they will face Turkey in the round of 16 with the pressure of being considered the favorites.

Ralf Rangnick's team has shown an aggressive and high-paced playing style, which helped them secure victories against Poland (3-1) and the Netherlands (3-2) after a close 1-0 loss to France.

Austria has made it to the round of 16 at Euro 2020 and aims to advance even further in Germany.

Turkey, who came second in Group F with six points, had a mixed performance in the group stage.

They managed to win against Georgia (3-1) and the Czech Republic (2-1) but suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Portugal where they were clearly outplayed.

Team news

Austria will be without winger Patrick Wimmer due to suspension, and either Konrad Laimer or Christoph Baumgartner could take his place.

Marko Arnautovic and Michael Gregoritsch are competing for the center-forward position once again.

Turkey's head coach Vincenzo Montella will need to make at least two changes with captain Hakan Calhanoglu and center-back Samet Akaydin serving one-match suspensions.

Central defender Abdulkerim Bardakci returns from suspension, and goalkeeper Mert Gunok is expected to be fit despite a knee issue.

The stats

Austria has won eight of their last ten matches.

In nine out of their last ten games, Austria scored the first goal.

Turkey has managed to keep just one clean sheet in their last nine matches.

In their last four games, Turkey has been involved in matches with at least three goals scored.

Turkey's head coach Vincenzo Montella (on the right) is set for a challenging match against a strong Austrian team.
Turkey's head coach Vincenzo Montella (on the right) is set for a challenging match against a strong Austrian team.

Prediction

Austria dominated Group D with consecutive wins and are strong favorites to defeat Turkey in Leipzig.

Das Team has never advanced to the quarter-finals of the European Championship but their energetic and confident display suggests they could achieve something significant this summer.

Rangnick's team has shown a fearless attitude, bouncing back from their initial 1-0 loss to France with six goals in their last two matches.

Turkey's defense appears vulnerable, having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four games. Montella's side managed a 2-1 win against the Czech Republic with a numerical advantage, but they will face a tougher challenge against Austria and are unlikely to succeed.