Merih Demiral’s two-goal performance led Turkey to their first UEFA European Championship quarter-final in 16 years, as they edged out Austria 2-1 in Leipzig.
The match began with a bang, as Austria launched a strong attack right from the start but found themselves trailing within the first minute. Arda Guler’s corner created chaos in the six-yard box before Patrick Pentz’s clearance landed at Demiral’s feet, allowing him to score Turkey’s quickest-ever goal in a Euros knockout match.
Austria, the second-highest scorers in the group stages, quickly responded with Christoph Baumgartner narrowly missing the target with a shot from the edge of the area in the second minute. Both teams then settled into a more defensive rhythm, though the intensity remained high. Real Madrid’s young star, Guler, attempted an audacious lob from midfield, but his effort went wide.
Looking to break their streak of defeats against Turkey, Austria pressed hard for an equalizer. Marko Arnautovic tested Turkish goalkeeper Mert Gunok early in the second half, but it was Demiral who struck again. Another precise corner from Guler found Demiral, whose powerful header doubled Turkey’s lead.
Austria, determined to fight back, made the game tense in the closing stages. Substitute Michael Gregoritsch scored from close range after Stefan Posch’s knockdown from a Marcel Sabitzer corner. Despite Austria’s relentless pressure, Turkey held firm, even without their suspended captain Hakan Calhanoglu. Gunok’s crucial save in the dying moments secured Turkey’s third victory in four Euros matches.
Ralf Rangnick’s Austrian team had high hopes after topping Group A ahead of France and the Netherlands, but their quest to advance beyond the round of 16 continues. Turkey’s set-piece proficiency, combined with Demiral’s clinical finishing and resilient defending, sealed their place in the quarter-finals against the Netherlands, sparking jubilant celebrations.
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