Merich Demiral scored twice as Turkey beat Austria 2-1 in Leipzig to arrange a Euro 2024 quarter-final conflict with the Netherlands, however they wanted a surprising stoppage-time save from Mert Gunock.
Austria had taken the lead within the first 10 minutes of their earlier two matches, however right here they had been on the scoresheet. Arda Güler, the teenage sensation, took a nook kick that goalkeeper Patrick Penz could not cope with and Demiral slotted dwelling.
Scored in simply 57 seconds, it was the quickest purpose within the historical past of the knockout phases of the European Championships. Ralf Rangnick’s Austria have been within the image, particularly given their 6-1 win over Turkey in March, however their opponents have risen to the problem.
Austria had been caught chilly within the first minute as they fell behind Turkey with Merich Demiral hitting the again of the online
Austria’s Marko Arnautovic wasted an amazing likelihood to equalize in opposition to Turkey
Marko Arnautovic wasted an amazing likelihood to equalize when he didn’t put the ball over the keeper and Austria by no means equalised. Demiral nodded in one other wonderful Guler nook simply earlier than the hour mark as Turkey appeared set to take full management of the match.
Substitute Michael Gregoric did seize a knockdown to drag one again and arrange a dramatic end, however Turkey goalkeeper Gunoc saved the match by denying Christoph Baumgartner within the closing minutes of an exciting match.
Gunok grew to become the hero of Turkey with this extraordinary save
Guler’s Corners | Save Gunok
The problem for Turkey head coach Vincenzo Mantella was to seek out some fluency within the absence of their suspended playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu and, to his credit score, he managed to discover a method with fine quality at each ends of the pitch.
Demiral celebrates a purpose after 57 seconds in opposition to Austria
Demiral gained the person of the match award, however each objectives had been attributable to sensational performances from 19-year-old Guler. His corners had been too good for Austria and had been instrumental in Turkey’s victory on this match. It was essential for Gunok to evaluation.
On the finish of the sport, Austria threw so many crosses into the field, however the final one was the important thing. Within the 94th minute, Baumgartner did the proper factor, heading laborious to the proper of the goalkeeper. The noise was at a top.
Statistics: Historical past of the match
Rangnik: Laborious to attain with Gordon Banks in purpose!
The boss of Austria Ralph Rangnick mentioned: “We had been unfortunate and I believe if the sport had gone to further time we might have gained. We had time to equalize but it surely’s tough after they have Gordon Banks in purpose!
“We did not take sufficient of our personal possibilities and did not defend their requirements effectively sufficient.
“The 4 video games we performed had been very entertaining, together with at present. It did not go very effectively, but it surely was 4 very entertaining and intense video games. Now we have to take that with us into the Nations League after which into the World Cup qualifiers.”
Who’s taking part in whom within the quarterfinals?
