After a magnificent victory

Our two possible opponents in the European Championship round of 16

Austria's national soccer team is through to the last sixteen of the European Championship.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Austria's national soccer team will now face the runners-up from Group F in the round of 16 thanks to their magnificent group win in the European Championship's top group D.

Pool F concludes the group stage of the European Football Championship on Wednesday at 9pm. For Turkey, the Czech Republic and Georgia, it's about the last free places in the round of 16, while Portugal, who have been confirmed as group winners, are probably more concerned with getting in the mood for the knockout phase. The 2016 European champions will welcome underdogs and European Championship newcomers Georgia in Gelsenkirchen, while the Turks and Czechs will be looking for their fortune and a ticket to progress in Hamburg.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. have already been crowned group winners.

(Bild: AFP)

After a 2:1 win against the Czech Republic and a 3:0 win against Turkey, the Portuguese can no longer be displaced from the top of the group; in the event of a tie on points with the Turks, the direct duel would decide in favor of the southern Europeans. For this constellation to occur, however, there would have to be a defeat against the Georgians in addition to a Turkish success, which is hardly conceivable given Portugal's exclusive victories in the European Championship qualifiers (goal difference 36:2) and their two European Championship successes. Of course, it is likely that coach Roberto Martinez will rotate the line-up before the start of the knockout phase.

Martinez promises "high-performance team"
However, he will not resort to an XXL rotation like the Spaniards did recently. "We will be playing a strong team. There will be no revolution," explained Martinez. In addition to Diogo Costa in goal, Ronaldo will certainly also play. "He's had a very good season. It's important to maintain the level of performance. He is the captain and will be in the team," said the 50-year-old.

The world record holder for international caps is still chasing further records. If he scores, the 39-year-old would be the first player to score at six European Championships and also the oldest goalscorer in European Championship history. As of Monday, this title is no longer held by former ÖFB team player Ivica Vastic, but by Luka Modric. The Croatian scored 1:0 against Italy at the age of 38 years and 289 days.

Fans rush to Ronaldo
Most recently, the superstar unintentionally sparked discussions about security precautions at matches. No fewer than six fans stormed onto the pitch during Portugal's victory over the Turks to take selfies with Ronaldo. At Schalke, the preventative measures are now to be tightened. "There will be additional security measures in the stadiums to meet the demands of the tournament," UEFA announced.

(Bild: AFP/KENZO TRIBOUILLARD)

The Georgians are not the most popular selfie subjects, but they did impress during the tournament and were at least rewarded with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic. However, they will probably need a sensational win to stay in the tournament. "We'll give it a go. I am a competitor. I want to win," said Georgia's Willy Sagnol about the tough task. It remains to be seen whether Otar Kiteishvili will make his first European Championship appearance. The Sturm Graz mainstay, honored as "Bundesliga Player of the Season", has been on the bench in the two games so far.

The Turks are the favorites for second place in the group with three points from the 3-1 win over Georgia, but they will have to digest the 3-0 defeat in Portugal. Coach Vincenzo Montella was criticized for not starting young star Arda Güler against the Portuguese side. The Turkish fans, who were once again expected in large numbers at the Volksparkstadion, no longer wanted to see that. The criticism was so fierce that even the president of the national association (TFF) intervened. Mehmet Büyükeksi backed the 50-year-old Montella.

Will Rangnick's squad have to deal with the Turks?

(Bild: AP/Associated Press)

"We have full confidence in our coach and our team," he affirmed. Issues such as formation, physical condition and match tactics would be determined by the coaching team. The cooperation between coaches and players is harmonious. The national team should not be instrumentalized for personal interests. "All national team players are valuable," Büyükeksi continued. After winning their qualifying group ahead of Croatia and Wales, the Turks are longing for a taste of tournament success. In 2016 and 2021, they finished in the preliminary round of the European Championship.

Memories of 2008
However, 16 years ago, the Turks reached the knockout round with a 3:2 win over the Czech Republic. However, like Georgia, the Czechs have not disappointed in terms of play so far. If they win, it would probably mean second place and they would then face the winner of Austria Group D on Tuesday. However, the nation is worried about Patrik Schick's participation. The Leverkusen goalscorer had scored against the Georgians, but left the field minutes later with a calf muscle injury. Czech media reported that he would not be fit for the Turkey match.