Turkey Face Tough Test Against Euro 2024 Dark Horses Austria Without Star Man Calhanoglu
Turkey will have their work cut out as they take on Euro 2024 surprise package Austria in the last-16 tonight, with star midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu suspended.
The ‘Crescent-Stars’ will be seeking revenge after suffering a heavy 6-1 defeat against Ralf Ragnick’s Austria back in March. Calhanoglu had initially equalized in that friendly match before Turkey’s collapse.
The crushing loss put manager Vincenzo Montella’s future in doubt, but he has since steadied the ship and guided his team to a successful Euros campaign so far, finishing second in Group F behind Portugal.
However, they will be without their captain Calhanoglu, who has been a key figure for Turkey throughout the tournament, starting and playing almost every minute. The 30-year-old is suspended for the Austria clash after picking up two yellow cards during the group stages.
“He’s irreplaceable,” Montella said in his pre-match press conference.
Calhanoglu was first cautioned late in the opening 3-1 win over Georgia for a clumsy tackle on Giorgi Kochorashvili. He then avoided trouble in the 3-0 defeat to Portugal but thought he had proved the hero in their 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic by scoring. Unfortunately, he was also booked for dissent in that match, leading to his suspension.
The match against the Czech Republic, which saw 16 yellow and two red cards, became the most ill-disciplined game in European Championship history. Turkey are also without defender Samet Akaydin due to a similar ban, but they will particularly miss Calhanoglu’s influence.
Borussia Dortmund star Salih Ozcan acknowledged the challenge facing Turkey without their captain.
“Unfortunately, Hakan Calhanoglu received his second yellow card, as did Samet Akaydin,” Ozcan said via FcInterNews. “It will be difficult for us. However, if everything goes according to plan, I think whoever plays in their place will give their best and help the team achieve victory.”
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