Odds: Austria -105, Draw +230, Turkey +300
Having won a group containing both France and Netherlands, Austria have quickly found themselves leapfrogged onto dark-horse lists of many an onlooker. Coach Ralf Rangnick, never easily possessed – nor bothered – by an ounce of false modesty, acknowledges that his team has turned some heads with their aggressive, high-risk, high-reward playing style.
Against Turkey, they will be without the suspended Patrick Wimmer, but it’s less of a blow considering Rangnick loves to rotate at certain positions. Indeed, two of his more experienced players, both of whom started the first two matches but were rested against the Dutch — Konrad Laimer and Christoph Baumgartner — are likely to start and be rested for this game.
In fact, only midfielders Marcel Sabitzer, Nicolas Seiwald, and Florian Grillitsch, along with right-back Stefan Posch, have been fielded for all three matches, indicative of Rangnick’s most vigorous conceptions for interchangeability and freshness.
Missing for Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella will be the suspended duo of Samet Akaydin and – far more importantly – captain Hakan Çalhanoglu. In defense, goalkeeper Mert Günok isn’t yet fully fit but probably reverts to the starting lineup as Altay Bayindir did little to inspire confidence in his place during the second group stage match of Turkey.
On the plus side, Abdülkerim Bardakçı returns from suspension, and teenage sensations Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız did impress. — Gabriele Marcotti