As the European Championship intensifies, we will face off against three dark horse teams on July 2. Austria, Turkey and Romania, who made it through the group stage with excellent performances, will now face an even tougher test. In this football feast, every game is full of variables and surprises, so let's look forward to their performance.
In the 1/8 finals at 3 a.m. on July 3, the matchup between Austria and Turkey will undoubtedly be a focal point. Both teams have been impressive in the group stage, and they will bring a clash of speed and excitement. Austria, led by Rangnick, showed an efficient ability to press high and the Turkish team was known for their attacking prowess and ability to create goalscoring opportunities.
Austria were particularly eye-catching in the group stage, catching their opponents off guard with their high-pressing tactics. The stats show that Austria can make tackles after an average of nine passes, a statistic second only to hosts Germany. In addition, they also had a high number of tackles and fouls in the group stage, showing their toughness in the game.
Meanwhile, Turkey showed their attacking prowess in the group stage. Their expected non-penalty goals tally of 5.2 are behind Portugal and Spain. However, they also have problems in defence, conceding more goals in the group stage and this will be something they need to improve.
Turkey are the second-youngest team in this tournament with an average age of just 26 years and 170 days. Among them, Alda Güller, as a junior player in the team, has scored 1 goal and has shown great potential. However, the absence of Hakan Calhanoglu will have an impact on the team, and Güler's role will be even more important.
Coach Rangnick of Austria is known for his famous pressing tactics. Despite a setback in charge of Manchester United, he quickly led the team to remarkable results after taking over the Austrian national team. Since taking charge in June 2022, Austria have won 60% of their 25 matches, winning 15 of their 25 matches, a result behind Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands over the same period.
Romania qualified for the group stage with four points and, although the road to qualification was not smooth, they showed their dark horse nature with a 3-0 win over Ukraine in their opening game. However, in the ensuing games, the Romanian team was a little lackluster and failed to continue to create bright spots.
The Dutch were equally impressive in the group stage, but they had problems defensively. According to the stats, the Dutch team only led their opponents for a total of 12 minutes and 27 seconds in the entire group stage, the fewest of any team that advanced to the quarter-finals. This statistic reflects the Dutch team's problem of concentration on the defensive end.
In the upcoming 1/8 finals, the matchup between Austria and Turkey will be a contest of tactics and speed. Austria's high pressing tactics will test Turkey's defensive ability, and Turkey's attacking frenzy will also take a toll on Austria's defence. The outcome of this match will be full of suspense.
At the same time, the match between Romania and the Netherlands will also be a battle of strategy. Romania will need to use their dark horse nature to cause problems for the Dutch. The Dutch, on the other hand, will need to solve problems on the defensive end and play to their attacking strengths.
As the European Championship schedule deepens, every game is full of uncertainties and surprises. Austria, Turkey, Romania and the Netherlands – their performances will determine whether they can continue on the European Championship stage. Let's wait and see what they bring.