Demiral Scores Brace To Put Turkey Past Austria
Merih Demiral scored a goal in each half against Turkey. Goalkeeper Mert Gunok made a crucial save in stoppage time, ensuring a nail-biting 2-1 victory over Austria. With this impressive performance, Turkey has now advanced to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. Demiral wasted no time in making his mark, scoring a goal just 57 seconds into the game. He continued to impress, adding a commanding header just before the hour mark.
Halfway through the second half, Austria’s Michael Gregoritsch cut the lead, but Gunok’s outstanding save of Christoph Baumgartner’s header in the closing seconds ended their hopes of equalizing. Fans of Turkey took to the streets of several German towns to celebrate. They honked their horns, waved flags, and chanted as they hoped for a possible repeat of their run to the 2008 Euro semi-finals.
Austria, often seen as the dark horse in the tournament, experienced a disappointing exit. They continue to wait for their first victory in a knockout match in a major tournament since 1954.
As It Happened
Turkey took the lead as Demiral seized the opportunity amidst a chaotic goalmouth scramble after a corner, etching his name in history by scoring the quickest goal ever seen in the knockout stage of the Euros. Vincenzo Montella’s side was dominated as Austria controlled the game. Turkey strategically pressed high and focused on counterattacks, effectively disrupting Austria’s usual playing style.
In the absence of Hakan Calhanoglou, Turkey successfully held off Austria in the first half, as Ralf Rangnick’s team struggled to create any meaningful chances on goal. After the break, Austria stepped up their game and came close to equalizing when captain Marko Arnautovic had a golden opportunity six minutes into the second half. However, Gunok made a brilliant save to deny him.
In the 59th minute, Turkey further solidified their lead as Demiral scored his second goal with a commanding header from yet another corner, expertly delivered by the talented teenager Arda Guler. Austria then managed to score a goal thanks to substitute Gregoritsch in the 66th minute. They relentlessly attacked Turkey’s goal, making a total of 20 attempts in their search for an equalizer.
Baumgartner appeared to have sealed the deal with his stoppage-time header. However, Gunok’s remarkable one-handed save not only kept Turkey’s slim lead intact but also guaranteed their advancement to the quarter-finals.
Netherlands Play Turkey in Euro 2024 Quarter Finals
Following Tuesday night’s 2-1 victory against Austria, Turkey will be facing the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals. Center-back Merih Demiral scored two goals to secure Turkey’s win in Leipzig. They take on the Dutch in Berlin on Saturday night.
Oranje had convincingly beaten Romania 3-0 earlier in the day to reserve their spot in the quarter-finals. Enough to set up the victory were two goals from Donyell Malen and one from Cody Gakpo.
Turkey came second in the group stage behind Portugal. Vincenzo Montella’s team beat both Georgia and the Czech Republic in its three group-stage games. Two yellow cards mean Orkun Kokcu will be suspended for the Oranje game. On the contrary, Ferdi Kadiouglu will be able to play against his native country.
The game is scheduled for Saturday at 9 p.m. at the iconic Olympiastadion in Berlin. The winner will go head-to-head to play either England or Switzerland in the semi-final.
About The Author
For More Great Content
Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
