The Euro 2024 knockout stages kick off with a fascinating encounter between Austria and Turkey in Leipzig on Tuesday evening.
This first-ever meeting between the two nations in a major tournament carries high stakes, with the winner progressing to a quarter-final against either Netherlands or Romania.
READ: Who is Arda Guler? The 18-year-old ‘Turkish Messi’ Wanted by Europe’s Biggest Clubs
Austria’s Impressive Rise
Austria, surprise package of the tournament, topped Group D with six points from a possible nine. After a narrow defeat to France, they bounced back with wins over Poland and the Netherlands.
This impressive run follows a period of strong form, with 14 wins in their last 19 games. Notably, they thrashed Turkey 6-1 in a friendly earlier this year.
Turkey’s Dramatic Qualification
Turkey secured a dramatic last-gasp victory over Czech Republic to finish second in Group F.
Despite an early red card for the Czechs, Turkey found themselves needing a late winner from veteran striker Cenk Tosun to secure their place in the knockout stages.
This young Turkish squad, boasting the second-youngest average starting XI in the group stage, emulates the nation’s 2008 success of reaching the Euro semi-finals.
Turkey will be without star players Hakan Calhanoglu and center-back Samet Akaydin due to suspension.
Abdulkerim Bardakci returns from suspension to likely partner Merih Demiral in central defense.
Okay Yokuslu, Kaan Ayhan, and Orkun Kokcu will compete to replace Calhanoglu in midfield.
First-choice goalkeeper Mert Gunok has trained despite a knee injury and is expected to start.
If Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz (19 years, 59 days) and Real Madrid’s Arda Guler (19 years, 128 days) both feature for Turkey, it would be only the second time in Euros history (and the first since 1964) that a nation starts two teenagers in a knockout match.
Austria team news
Ralf Rangnick, returning to his former stomping ground, will be forced to make at least one change to his winning side. Winger Patrick Wimmer is suspended.
Konrad Laimer or Christoph Baumgartner, who has been in excellent form with 9 goal contributions in his last 8 games, are likely candidates to step in from the bench.
Veteran Marko Arnautovic and Michael Gregoritsch will compete for the starting striker role.
With four central defenders (Max Wober, Kevin Danso, Gernot Trauner, and Philipp Lienhart) vying for two spots, Rangnick has a decision to make.
Unbeaten Record vs. Austria
However, history favors Turkey in competitive fixtures against Austria. They remain unbeaten in their last five meetings, keeping clean sheets in each encounter.
Battle for a Place in the Quarters
Despite Austria’s recent dominance and home advantage (due to their proximity to Germany), a passionate Turkish contingent is expected in the stands. This clash promises a thrilling battle for a coveted quarter-final spot.