We are already halfway through the Round of 16 of Euro 2024, but the most exciting encounters are yet to come. While we have had some tense duels in the Group stages, we all know the real action occurs in the Knockout stages. For instance, last night’s clash between England and Slovakia was a nail-biter, and the match was on a cliffhanger till the last seconds of regulation time.
One of the more underrated and most possibly the most intense encounters to take place will be the match between Austria and Türkiye. The upcoming clash has the potential to go down as a European classic. Austria has been the dark horse of this year’s Euro. They have been a force to reckon with in the group stages, beating the likes of Netherlands and Poland. They even came close to holding France to a draw. What Ralf Ragnick has done with the squad since his joining is nothing short of incredible. They definitely have what it takes to go further in the tournament.
Türkiye is also having a convincing run in the Euro. They were being termed the dark horse of the last edition of Euro but failed to meet everyone’s expectations. But this time around, they are more confident and capable. They came in second in their group with only a loss against Portugal. Türkiye is a squad full of young talents with the likes of Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız, who can turn the fate of a match at any time.
The Türkiye vs Austria encounter is set for play on the 2nd of July 2 at 9 pm CET. The match will take place at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig. So set a reminder you will not want to miss this thrilling clash!
Austria Team Preview
Ralf Ragnick’s Austria has been a treat to watch for those who support underdogs. They have been sensational throughout the Group stages. They started with a hard-fought loss against France. But they made a well-planned comeback against Poland. They fought them toe-toe and beat them to a surprising scoreline of 3-1. But it wasn’t until the match against Netherlands they showed their true colors. They took the fight to the Oranje and gave us fans one of the most exciting matches in the group stages. Their captain, Marcel Sabitzer, scored the late winner to finish the match 3-2.
You would be mistaken to think the Austrians have suddenly started playing well. They have been on the rise since Ragnick took over. They have won 15 of their last 25 matches, which is a very high win percentage record for any team. They have changed their playstyle and transitioned into playing more pressing football. This isn’t very surprising, given that Ragnick is considered the father of Gegenpressing. They scored six goals in a group that had teams like France and Netherlands, which tells you how much they have improved.
Austria’s main strength lies in its forward line. Players like Christoph Baumgartner and Romano Schmid possess incredible energy and can press with high intensity to create chances. Not to mention their start player Marcel Sabitzer, who has been phenomenal till now. With Marko Arnautović leading from the front, they are not afraid to get out of their half and take the game to the opponent. Their fearless football is what makes them capable of taking on any Elite European team.
Austria has a compact defense unit. They have been defensively aggressive in their last three matches. Which is why they have the highest number of fouls in their name. Defenders like Max Wöber in the team seem to understand their job well.
With their dominant performance, Austria will be aiming for nothing less than a Quarterfinal spot.
Predicted XI: Patrick Pentz, Philipp Lienhart, Kevin Danso, Phillipp Mwene, Stefan Posch, Nicolas Seiwald, Florian Grillitsch, Christoph Baumgartner, Romano Schmid, Marcel Sabitzer, Marko Arnautovic
Türkiye Team Preview
Türkiye has one of the most promising squads in Europe. With a team full of young talents, they have been able to deliver what was expected of them. Vincenzo Montella’s Türkiye came in 2nd in their Group in Euro 2024, securing two wins. They beat a promising Georgian side 3-1 in their opening game. Their only loss came against Portugal by 3-0, even though they played well in that match. They picked up a win in their last match against Czechia by 2-1.
Türkiye is a team full of young upcoming talents. Their squad has an average age of 26, which is second only to Ukraine in Euro 2024. They have players like Arda Güler, who is now signed to Real Madrid and is considered a future potential. Güler scored a fantastic goal against Georgia. The 19-year-old Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız is also an upcoming sensation. These young bloods high in energy can turn matches for Türkiye anytime.
Türkiye also has a crisp attacking line like Austria. Young midfielders, along with experienced forwards like Cenk Tosun, have formed a versatile frontline. They tend to cover a lot of the field and press the opponent. They also press aggressively, which is why they have a high turnover rate. They scored five goals in their group-stage matches.
Türkiye’s strong midfield is one of the keys to their success. Led by the experienced Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu, their midfielders pack incredible vision and creativity. They also like to hold the ball, which is evident in their possession stats during the group stages.
Montella has formed a balanced squad for Türkiye’s, one that has capable players for every role. Their style of quick play and confidence is what they should leverage.
Predicted XI: Mert Günok, Mert Müldür, Samet Akaydın, Merih Demiral, Ferdi Kadıoğlu, Salih Özcan, İsmail Yüksek, Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız, Barış Alper, Orkun Kokcu
Austria vs Türkiye Betting Odds
Austria 2.00 – 3.30 Draw – 4.50 Türkiye (PariMatch)
Austria vs Türkiye Head-to-Head Stats
In the last six matches, Türkiye faced Austria, and Türkiye came victorious in three. Austria won two of the matches. Also, Türkiye remains unbeaten against Austria in any major tournament. The last time they met Austria in a major tournament, the match ended in a draw.
However, Austria and Türkiye’s last meeting was an International friendly match, which ended in a one-sided result. Austria thrashed them by 6-1, which was in March of this year.
Austria vs Türkiye Betting Tips and Predictions
Austria is likely to come out victorious against Türkiye after what is expected to be an evenly-matched battle. Austria edges out Türkiye with its versatile attacking style that can prey on Türkiye’s defense. Austria’s high-intensity pressing can overwhelm Türkiye defenders. Also, after their late win against the Netherlands, they will be boosted with confidence.
Türkiye conceded five goals in the group stages. Also, Türkiye’s 6-1 defeat against Austria early in March will keep them under pressure before the match. Moreover, they will be missing their experienced campaigner and Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu, which is a big blow for them. Their main strength lies in their midfield, and with their best midfielder missing, they may not be able to go with their usual plan.
No matter who triumphs, the Austria vs Türkiye match has the potential to be one of the highlights of the Round of 16. Can Ragnick take Austria to their first-ever quarter-final?