Turkey triumphed over Austria with a 2-1 victory at Red Bull Arena Leipzig, advancing to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. Merih Demiral scored twice, including the quickest knockout-stage goal in European Championship history, striking after just 57 seconds. This goal marked the second earliest in UEFA European Championship history and the fastest ever in the knockout stages, adding to Turkey’s record of the quickest goal in both the EUROs and World Cup knockout rounds. Demiral’s second goal came from a powerful header just before the hour mark. Austria managed to reduce the deficit through a Michael Gregoritsch goal on 66 minutes, following a flicked-on corner from Stefan Posch, but their efforts for an equaliser were thwarted by Turkey’s resolute defense.
Austria, who have been eliminated from the round of 16 in back-to-back major tournament appearances, were again unable to progress beyond this stage. The match, played in pouring rain at a frenetic pace, was arguably one of the best games of the tournament, with both teams urged forward by fervent support. Turkey’s goalkeeper Gunok made a crucial save at the death, preserving the lead and securing Turkey’s place in the quarter-finals. Austria’s Ralf Rangnick, known for his high-intensity play, saw his side pour forward in search of an equaliser, but they found Turkey’s defense too strong to breach.
Turkey now heads to Berlin for their first Euros quarter-final since 2008, where they will face the Netherlands at the Olympiastadion on Saturday. The win marked Turkey’s third advancement to the quarter-final stage of the UEFA European Championship, previously achieving this feat in EURO 2000 and EURO 2008, as well as their fourth time at a major tournament, including the 2002 World Cup. The match stats highlight Austria’s dominance in possession and shots, but Turkey’s clinical finishing and solid defense proved decisive in their victory.
Melissa Enoch
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