Turkey Edges Austria to Secure Euro 2024 Quarter-Final Spot

TDT | Agencies

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Demiral's Double and Gunok's Heroics Help Turkey Past Austria Merih Demiral's brace and a sensational stoppage-time save from Mert Gunok saw Turkey edge Austria 2-1 in Leipzig, setting up a Euro 2024 quarter-final clash with the Netherlands.

Fastest Goal in Knockout History

Turkey took the lead in record time, with Demiral scoring just 57 seconds into the match – the fastest goal in European Championship knockout history. Arda Guler's pinpoint corner caused chaos in Austria's defense, allowing Demiral to fire home.

Austria Struggles to Respond

Despite Austria's strong start in previous matches, they were stunned early. Marko Arnautovic squandered a golden opportunity to equalize, failing to beat Gunok one-on-one. Demiral doubled Turkey's lead with a towering header from another Guler corner.

Late Drama and a Wonder Save

Austria pulled one back through Michael Gregoritsch, setting up a tense finish.

However, it was Gunok's stunning save in stoppage time – likened to Gordon Banks' legendary stop against Pele – that secured Turkey's win. Christoph Baumgartner's header seemed destined for the net, but Gunok's heroics kept it out.

They Said: "If you're behind with two goals, then things aren't any easier.

The team tried everything... It's difficult if you have Gordon Banks in goal." - Ralf Rangnick, Austria coach.