Merih Demiral of Turkey scored a goal in each half to lead his team to a thrilling 2-1 victory over Austria on Tuesday, securing their place in the final eight of Euro 2024.
The Netherlands, who defeated Romania 3-0 earlier on Tuesday, will meet the central defence in the quarterfinal on Saturday in Berlin. The defender scored the first goal after 57 seconds and added another with a strong header shortly before the hour.
Midway through the second half, Austria reduced the lead through Michael Gregoritsch, and in the dying moments, Gunok made an incredible one-handed save to deny Christoph Baumgartner‘s header.
With their national team hoping to repeat its Euro 2008 quarterfinal run, thousands of Turks flocked to the streets, blasting vehicle horns, waving flags, and singing as celebrations broke out across numerous German cities at the final whistle.
It was a disappointing finish to Austria’s European Championship as the tournament underdogs are still yet to win a knockout match at a major event since 1954.
Demiral took advantage of a goalmouth scramble after a corner to blast into the roof of the net for the fastest goal in the history of a European Championship knockout match, giving the Turks the lead in a wild opening to the game.
Turkey was content to hand over the ball to Austria, who had defeated them 6-1 in March, but they continued to push hard using a 5-4-1 system in an effort to catch them off guard and throw off their opponents’ typical straightforward style of play.
Ralf Rangnick‘s team made no attempts on goal in the first half as the hard-charging Turks held Austria at bay despite the absence of captain Hakan Calhanoglou, who was suspended.
Following the break, the Austrians stepped up their game, pressing Turkey back and having a chance to tie the score six minutes in when captain Marko Arnautovic was put through with only the custodian to beat, but Gunok blocked his shot.
Rather, the Turks scored again, as Demiral scored from another corner to give them a 2-0 lead in the 59th minute after outmuscling two opponents in the air.
In the midst of torrential rain, Austria equalised by a goal from substitute Gregoritsch at the far post in the 66th minute. They continued to press forward, hoping to find an equaliser, and ended up with 20 efforts on goal.
Baumgartner’s header in stoppage time would have given him the impression that he had won it, but Gunok made the greatest save of the game by palming the ball wide to preserve their slender lead.
Nova88 Official Partnerships:
Official Asian Regional Partner 2023/24 – FC Internazionale Milano
Official Asian Betting Partner 2023/24 – Sevilla FC
Introducing Nova88’s Official Partner in Asian Sportsbook Forum – Asianbookie
Nova88’s Official Partner Livescore Platform – Livescore.com
