Turkey blocks Austria's way to the Final Four on Sunday
On Sunday at 13:00 the Austrian football national team will host the two‑time European champion Turkey at the Wiener Sport‑Club‑Platz, live broadcast by ORF Sport + and ORF ON. The promoted side go into the second EM‑preliminary match as clear favourites, whose winner advances to the semi‑finals in 2027. After a convincing 60‑9 victory over Belgium, the Turks hope to block Austria's path to the planned Final Four 2027.
Turkey as clear favourite
The promoted Turkey go into the second EM‑preliminary match as two‑time European champions and are considered clear favourites according to a report by Julio Arellano. After a convincing 60‑9 victory over Belgium, the Turks hope to block Austria's path to the planned Final Four 2027. The winner of this duel will move into the semi‑finals in 2027.
Austria's goal and lineup
New head coach Stefan Pokorny stresses that the team wants to maintain the standard and win another EM title, even though teams such as Germany, France or Sweden are absent in this cycle. For the preparation camp ahead of the home game against Turkey, eleven new players are available, including returnees Lukas Haslwanter and Noel Swancar as well as GFL champion Sebastian Huber. Champion running back Dean Opara is missing due to illness. In 2014 the final in Vienna in front of 27 000 spectators was a memorable performance against Germany.
Quarterback Nico Hrouda starts and highlights that the national team now plays at the Sport‑Club‑Platz, a “super stadium with the fans”. He explains: “Of course there is a lot of pressure, but for the young players it is a good opportunity to prove that the new generation can maintain this level.”
Receiver Jonas Dachs‑Wiesinger, whom Pokorny knows from the Graz Giants, praises the coach: “He was the great support that got everything running. It is the same in the national team, and I am glad that I can play in his team again.” The team wants to start strong and play well.
While Turkey as favourite wants to block Austria's route to the Final Four, Pokorny sees the challenge as an opportunity to solidify the new generation and pursue the goal of another EM title. The Sunday duel therefore becomes a touchstone for both nations.