Turkey came out ready to go and fired. Turkey, also known as Turkiye, took the lead in a game against a Bavarian side less than 60 seconds into the game. As soon as the whistle blew, they were on the front foot and ready to put one in the back of the net, shocking the opposite and making people in the stands wonder if they just witnessed a record in front of their very eyes.
Turkey Score Second-Fastest Goal Ever
There haven’t been too many exciting games in the Euros so far, albeit the last game with Bellingham’s overhead kick that shocked the crowd and stunned the opposing team. But, a lot of matches have been draws and low-scoring games that have put people to sleep. However, that wasn’t the case in the latest game with Turkey facing off against Austria in one of their group-stage matches.
Turkey knew they needed to bring a new energy to the tournament they hadn’t unlocked previously — and that they did. They scored the second-fastest goal ever in a UEFA Euro tournament by finding the back of the net less than one minute after kick-off in the stadium. Turkey, by winning that game and getting a great result, has officially booked their spot into the knockout round with a respectable six points in their group.
Before they started the match, it looked like Austria had the upper hand. They have high-quality players who are in some of the best leagues in the world, like the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Austrian Bundesliga. But, they were no match for Turkey’s starting eleven who came out firing.
Turkey vs. Austria
Demiral for Turkey scored within the first minute, immediately putting Austria on the back foot. For the rest of the game, Austria was playing catch-up. They went even further behind when the same man, arguably the hero of the match, scored his second goal just before one hour into the game. Gregoritsch tried to bring the team back with one goal to halve the lead, but it was no match for the Turkish side.
Looking at the stats, Demiral is the first defender to net two goals in knockout stage matches in an international tournament since a Frenchman did the same in 1998 at the World Cup. Not only did this set a precedent for just how special the match was to watch live, but it also showed how imposing Turkey can be when they have set pieces and counterattacks.
Austria had 60% possession to Turkey’s 40%, but it was still no match for Turkey’s never-say-die attitude and relentlessness. Austria couldn’t find the back of the net, as they had 21 shots to Turkey’s six shots, but only managed to have five shots on frame and one goal for their hard work.
Overall, we can expect a few key players for Turkey to continue to stand out in the next knockout games. Keep an eye on Demiral, the goal scorer and defensive player who helps keep clean sheets, Muldur in the midfield, Kadioglu, Guller, and Yildiz all try to get one past their next opponent before the final whistle blows.
How far do you think Turkey can go into the tournament?
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
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