Inter Milan Star Hakan Calhanoglu Celebrates Turkiye Qualification To Euro 2024 Round Of 16: “I Told Everyone I’d Score” | OneFootball

Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu played a key role for Turkiye who secured qualification to the Euro 2024 Round of 16 with a victory over the Czech Republic.

The 30-year-old who has recently been linked with a summer move to Bayern Munich was instrumental in his nation’s victory on Wednesday night.

The Turks beat the Czechs by two goals to one, with the Nerazzurri playmaker scoring the opener. This result saw Vicenzo Montella’s men book their place in the knockout stages after finishing second behind Portugal in their group.

This has set the stage for a compelling clash between Turkiye and Austria in the Round of 16. It will be interesting to see how online bookmakers like best betting sites in Ireland will place their odds given how many consider it a razor-tight contest.

For his part, Calhanoglu was ecstatic with his nation’s qualification to the next round.

“We are happy because getting through to the next round was our objective,” said the Inter midfielder in his post-match interview with TRT Spor via FcInterNews.

“After losing against Portugal in the previous match, we remained silent and concentrated on our work.

“Even if the Czech Republic played with ten men, they put us in difficulty. They put us under pressure so we had to do better but thank God we went through.”

Hakan Calhanoglu Relishes Turkiye Vs Austria Clash In Round of 16

“We knew that we would win this match because we were highly motivated. We have to improve in some areas, and take more responsibility. We could have created better opportunities.

“We will analyze the match External voices cannot creep in because we are a united group. I will not allow it, and the same goes for my teammates.”

The former AC Milan admits the 1-6 defeat against Austria back in March still burns. Therefore, he and his teammates will be looking to avenge themselves in the Round of 16.

“Austria is a big team and we still have the 6-1 in our mind. That’s why we will prepare very well. We have pressure on our shoulders, but we have players who know how to handle it.

“I say with all my heart: if criticism comes, let it come to me, as long as it doesn’t affect my teammates.

“These things are normal when you become captain. Yesterday I told everyone that I would score. I had a hunch. Leaving that aside, the important thing was securing qualification.”