Merih Demiral Merih Demiral Merih Demiral scored twice as Turkey beat Austria 2-1 in Leipzig Prepared for Euro 2024 quarter-final towards Netherlands however wanted Mert Gunok to make a tremendous stoppage-time save.
The Austrian crew had taken the lead inside the first 10 minutes in every of the earlier two video games, however this time they had been on the again foot. Teenager star Arda Guler took a nook kick that goalkeeper Patrick Pentz could not deal with and Demiral fired residence.
It solely took 57 seconds, which was the quickest aim within the historical past of the European Championship knockout rounds. Ralf Rangnick’s Austria had been as soon as closely favored, particularly contemplating they beat Turkey 6-1 in March, however their opponents have risen to the problem.
Austria in the end didn’t equalize when Marko Arnautovic didn’t get the ball previous the goalkeeper, squandering an ideal probability to equalize. Demiral appeared to place Turkey in full management of the sport simply earlier than the tip when he nodded in one other tremendous Guler nook.
Substitute Michael Gregoric did knock down an equalizer and arrange a dramatic aim, however Turkish goalkeeper Gunok produced his World Cup save within the ultimate moments of an exhilarating sport, Blocked out by Christoph Baumgartner.
Guler’s nook | Gurnock’s save
The problem for Turkey head coach Vincenzo Montella is to search out some fluidity within the absence of suspended playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu and, to his credit score, he has carried out nicely in each assault and defence. Discovered a approach out.
Demiral received the person of the match award, however each targets had been because of the sensible efficiency of 19-year-old Guler. His inswinging nook was too good for Austria and performed a giant function in Turkey successful the sport. It takes Gurnock to do all of it.
Austria threw a whole lot of crosses into the field late within the sport, however the ultimate aim was a vital one. With the clock ticking all the way down to 94 minutes, Baumgartner did every thing proper, heading the ball low to the proper of the goalkeeper. Gurnock rose to the problem.
Statistics: The Story of the Recreation
Rangnick: Gordon Banks’ aim is troublesome to attain!
austrian boss Ralf Rangnick Mentioned: “We did not have the mandatory luck and I imagine if the sport had gone into extra time we might have received. We had time to equalize however it’s troublesome after they have Gordon Banks scoring!”
“We did not create sufficient possibilities and we did not defend their set items nicely.
“The 4 video games we performed had been very fascinating, together with at present. Not every thing went precisely proper, however they had been 4 very fascinating and intense video games. Now we have to carry that into the Nations League after which into the World Cup. World Cup qualifiers.