Demiral’s double sends Turkey past Austria to Euro 2024 quarter-finals
Merih Demiral bagged a brace to lead Turkey to a 2-1 win over Austria in Leipzig, sealing a quarter-final clash with the Netherlands at Euro 2024.
Austria, known for their early scoring in the tournament, were stunned within the first minute of the encounter.
Teenage sensation Arda Guler delivered a corner that Austria’s goalkeeper Patrick Pentz failed to clear, allowing Demiral to score just 57 seconds into the game.
The goal set a record for the fastest goal in the European Championship knockout stages.
Marko Arnautovic missed a golden opportunity for Austria – Credit: Sky Sports
Despite being favourites, especially after a 6-1 win over Turkey in March, Austria struggled to respond.
Marko Arnautovic missed a crucial chance to equalize, failing to lift the ball over Turkey’s goalkeeper.
Demiral extended Turkey’s lead just before the hour mark, heading in another precise corner from Guler.
Austria managed to pull one back through substitute Michael Gregoritsch, who scored after a knockdown.
In the dying minute, Turkey’s goalkeeper Mert Gunok made a spectacular save to deny Christoph Baumgartner, keeping Turkey’s lead and securing their place in the quarter-finals against the Netherlands.
