Our prediction for this Euro 2024 match:
Red Bull Arena will host Tuesday’s EURO 2024 game between Austria and Turkey, who meet for the first time at the major tournament finals. The Austrians were impressive in the group stages, with the team beating both Poland (3-1) and Netherlands (3-2), while losing to France and, no doubt, they are brimming with confidence ahead of the last 16 clash. Even though Wolfsburg midfielder Patrick Wimmer misses out through suspension, home win should be considered as Ralph Rangnick is doing a great job with Das Team. Real Madrid ace David Alaba has been ruled out with injury.
The Turks, on the other hand, set up a meeting with Austria by beating ten-man Czech Republic in their last group game. However, it seems as if Turkey’s results are much better than the performances, which is yet another reason why we are going to bet on the nominal hosts. Inter star Hakan Calhanoglu is banned for the match as well as Panathinaikos defender Samet Akaydin. The good news for Vincenzo Montella is that Galatasaray defender Abdulkerim Bardakci returns from suspension.
Highlighted Player (Hakan Calhanoglu):
Hakan Calhanoglu is another one in the long line of Turkish footballers who were born in Germany, so it is hardly surprising he came to prominence thanks to his performances in Bundesliga. The attacking midfielder with great vision and very good goalscoring record started his professional career at Karlsruher, scoring impressive 17 goals in 50 league outings to earn a move to Bundesliga side Hamburg.
The spell at Imtech Arena was merely a stepping stone for bigger things as 11 goals in his debut top flight campaign persuaded Bayer Leverkusen to splash nearly €15 million on his services. That proved a very good investment as Calhanoglu continued the rich vein of form, and it is now a matter of time before he joins one of European powerhouses.
The midfield maestro had a bright start to his career in the Turkey national team, scoring 5 goals in first 16 caps, and chances are he will become a leader for Milli Takim in the foreseeable future.
Highlighted Team (Austria):
Austria is one of Europe’s oldest national football teams and they enjoyed plenty of success during the 1930’s, earning the nickname Wunderteam in the process. Das Team achieved a fourth-place finish at the second World Cup in 1934, before finishing in third place at the 1954 finals. However, Austria have since participated at another five World Cup finals, never getting past the first knockout stage.
Das Team were even more disappointing in the European Championship qualifying campaigns, failing to qualify for 12 straight tournaments before appearing at the 2008 finals as co-hosts. However, Austria made it to the Euro 2016 in style, winning nine of ten qualifiers to suggest the team may be on the path to return to old glory days.
Former Bayern Munich midfielder Andreas Herzog is the team’s most capped footballer with 103 appearances, whereas Toni Polster is the most prolific striker with 44 goals in 95 outings. Matthias Sinderlar, Ernst Ocwirk, Herbert Prohaska and Hans Krankl are some of the most notable players to have represented Austria over the years.