Merih Demiral’s Historic Brace Sends Turkey to Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals.
Merih Demiral scored twice, including the fastest knockout-stage goal in European Championship history, as Turkey stunned Austria to secure a quarter-final clash with the Netherlands.
In what was arguably the best game of the tournament so far, a thrilling winner-takes-all encounter played in pouring rain, both teams were driven forward by fervent support.
Demiral set the tone by opening the scoring just 57 seconds in, pouncing on a loose ball from Arda Guler’s corner. The goal sent the packed Red Bull Arena in Leipzig into raptures. Demiral then doubled Turkey’s lead just before the hour mark, heading home another Guler corner.
Austria, who had not managed a shot on target in the first half, improved after the break. They pulled a goal back through Michael Gregoritsch, who turned in a flicked-on corner from Stefan Posch. Ralf Rangnick’s side pressed for an equaliser but found Turkey’s defence resolute.
Turkey held on, thanks in large part to goalkeeper Mert Gunok, who made several crucial saves, including a superb stop from Christoph Baumgartner’s close-range header in stoppage time. When the final whistle blew, Gunok was mobbed by his teammates while their fans celebrated wildly.
Austria, who topped their group ahead of France and the Netherlands, had high expectations but now exit the tournament. Turkey, reaching their first Euros quarter-final since 2008, will face the Netherlands at Berlin’s Olympiastadion on Saturday.
Turkey’s performance was matched by the vocal support from their fans. They matched Austria’s midfield intensity and won countless defensive battles. Teenagers Arda Guler, Kenan Yildiz, and Baris Alper Yilmaz provided quality in attack, while Gunok’s heroics in goal were pivotal.
Turkey fans sang ‘auf wiedersehen’ to Austria’s players as they left the pitch. After a promising group stage, Austria’s early exit is a big surprise. They were unable to replicate their fast starts from earlier matches and struggled to break down Turkey’s organised defence. Despite a late surge, Austria could not find an equaliser, with Gunok’s save from Baumgartner ensuring Turkey’s progression.
