“Not one of my dark horses mind you” - Chris Sutton predicts winner ahead of Austria vs Turkey in Euro 2024 round of 16
Chris Sutton has predicted Austria will win 3-1 in their Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash against Turkey on July 2. Ralf Rangnick's Austria have been the surprise package of the European Championships so far. They defeated The Netherlands in their final group game to finish as the winners of Group D ahead of France, the Dutch, and Poland.
Turkey, meanwhile, sealed a second-place finish in Group F with wins against Georgia and Czechia. Sutton has been thoroughly impressed by Austria and expects their organization to get the better of Turkey. He predicted for BBC:
"I'd like to emphasis that Austria have always been one of my dark horses at Euro 2024. I may have picked them to finish third in their group but as well as tipping them to beat the Dutch. I chose them as a surprise package before a ball was kicked in this tournament."
He added:
"After finshing above France and The Netherlands to top a tough group, Ralf Rangnick's side will feel they can climb any mountain and I am expecting more of the same here."
Sutton further said:
"Turkey are an interesting team- not one of my dark horses mind you- and their support is unbelievable. They have got some exciting players too and have scored some wonderful goals but I just think Austria's organization and intensity will make the difference again."
The Euro 2024 Round of 16 is set to kick off on June 29. Eight stellar matches will take place to decide the eight quarter-finalists.
Euro 2024 Round of 16: Key players for Austria and Turkey
For Austria, it's more of a team play rather than a dependence on individuals. Players like Marcel Sabitzer and Romano Schmid, among others, have been pivotal for Rangnick's team. However, the team effort has been their main source of success at Euro 2024.
As for Turkey, they have world-class players like Hakan Calhanoglu, Arda Guler, Kerem Akterkoglou, Kenan Yildiz, among others.
The two sides are evenly matched and have shown great form so far. Austria's ability to overpower top European giants could give them an extra boost in confidence.