In a captivating UEFA Euro 2024 Round of 16 encounter, Turkey vs Austria 2-1 in a hard-fought very that booked their place in the quarter-finals. The match played on July 3rd, 2024, saw Turkey’s Merih Demiral emerge as the unlikely hero, scoring his team’s goals to secure the in.
The game got off to a blistering start, with Demiral finding the back of the net just 58 seconds into the match. The AI-Ahil center-back pounced on a loose ball in the box and smashed its horses in the tournament after topping a group that included France and the Netherlands but were stunned by the rapid Turkish onslaught.
However, the Austrian side quickly regained their composure and began asserting dominance. Christoph Baumgartner came close to equalizing, but his shot narrowly missed the target. The first half ended with Turkey clinging to their slender advantage.
The second half saw Austria come out with renewed vigor, and they were rewarded in the 67th minute when Michael Gregoritsch scored to level the match. The goal sparked a flurry of activity, with both teams pushing for the winner.
Just three minutes later, Demiral struck again, this time with a towering header from a corner kick to restore Turkey’s lead. The goal was a testament to the defender’s aerial prowess and highlighted his importance to the Turkish side.
As the match entered the final stages, Austria threw everything they had at the Turkish defense, desperate to find an equalizer. Baumgartner came agonizingly close, but a stunning save from Turkey’s goalkeeper Mert Gunok denied the Austrian midfielder a dramatic late goal.
In the end, Turkey held on to their lead, securing a 2-1 victory and booking their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament. The win was a testament to the team’s resilience and tactical discipline, as they weathered the Austrian onslaught and capitalized on their opportunities.
The match was a thrilling encounter that showcased the quality and passion of both teams. Turkey’s victory was particularly impressive, as they overcame the absence of their captain, Hakan Calhanoglu, who was suspended for the match.
The result was a significant achievement for Turkey, who had not reached the quarter-finals of a major tournament since Euro 2008. The team’s performance in the match demonstrated their growth and development under the guidance of coach Vincenzo Montella, who has instilled a sense of belief and organization in the squad.
For Austria, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, as they had been tipped as one of the dark horses of the tournament. However, the team can take solace in the fact that they pushed the Turks all the way and gave a good account of themselves.
The match was a thrilling spectacle that showcased the best of European football. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with the Turkish fans creating a deafening atmosphere that spurred their team on to victory.
Key moments in Turkey’s 2-1 victory over Austria in the Euro 2024 Round of 16:
- Turkey took the lead just 58 seconds into the match, with Merih Demiral scoring the fastest goal ever in a European Championship knockout round. Demiral punched on a loose ball in the box after a teasing delivery from Arda Guler’s corner caused chaos.
- Austria nearly equalized immediately, with Christoph Baumgartner firing inches wide from the edge of the box. Demiral then made a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Baumgartner as an Austrian corner flashed across the face of goal.
- Demiral scored his second goal in the 57th minute, powering home another header from a Guler corner to double Turkey’s lead. In doing so, he became the first European defender to score twice in the knockout stages of a major tournament since Lillian Thuram for France at the 1998 World Cup.
- Austria pulled a goal back in the 64th minute through substitute Michael Gregoritsch, who swept the ball high into the net after Stefan Posch flicked on Marcel Sabitzer’s corner.
- In stoppage time, Turkey goalkeeper Mert Gunok produced a remarkable save reminiscent of Gordon Bank’s iconic stop from Pele in the 1970 World Cup, denying Baumgartner’s downward header. It was a crucial intervention that preserved Turkey’s lead.
- Turkey held on to win 2-1 and book their place in the quarter-finals, where they will face the Netherlands. It was Turkey’s first appearance in the last eight of a major tournament since Euro 2008.
In the match of Turkey vs Australia end, it was Turkey who emerged victorious, and they will now face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the tournament. The match promises to be another exciting encounter, as the two teams battle it out for a place in the semi-finals.
