Turkey

Austria

Date/Time:	Mar 29, 2011, 19:30(CET)
Competition:	UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifying
Live/Repeat:	Live
Venue:	Sükrü Saracoglu Stadyumu (Istanbul)

Turkey vs Austria: Injury-Hit Austria In Danger Ahead Of Turkey Match

Austria are not favourites ahead of Tuesday’s Euro 2012 qualifying match against Turkey. The Austrians have injuries to worry about.

Austria have to push hard if they want to put their Euro 2012 qualifying hopes back on track.

The battle in Group A’s middle section is tight with Austria sandwiched between second-placed Belgium who have 7 points and fourth-placed Turkey who have 6 points. Last weekend, the Euro 2008 co-hosts lost 3 crucial points in a home defeat to Belgium.

They now need to bounce back against Turkey, but their mission to do so has become even more difficult. Midfielder Zlatko Junuzovic, defender Franz Schiemer and striker Marc Janko have all been sidelined only to add put Austria’s Euro 2012 qualifying hopes in further doubts.

Austria’s best player of the year Junuzovic has an ankle injury to treat and will subsequently have to watch his team take on Turkey on a TV screen. On Monday, the midfielder told UEFA.com:

“It would be impossible for me to train or to help the team on Tuesday. But I wish my team-mates all the best. I hope they can return from Istanbul unbeaten.”

With Belgium expected to defeat Azerbaijan in Group A’s other Euro 2012 qualifying match, it appears imperative for Austria to upset Turkey on Tuesday. Interestingly, Turkey are yet to lose on home soil whereas the Austrians haven’t tasted victory out of the country.

Adding to Austria’s fears is the Tyro Cenk factor. The 19-year-old striker is ready to turn into a legendary striker for the Turkish national team. The Gaziantepspor play in-form forward will be looking to mark his international debut in a great manner at the expectations of his fans.