Medrih Demiral scored twice as Turkey advanced to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 with a 2-1 victory over Austria.
The center-back netted the opening goal just 57 seconds into the match and added his second early in the second half.
Michael Gregoritsch’s goal for Austria was not enough to prevent their elimination in an engaging last-16 clash.
Austria might have changed the outcome had it not been for a spectacular save by Turkish goalkeeper Mert Gunok, who expertly blocked Christoph Baumgartner’s header in the dying moments.
Despite being touted as potential deep contenders, Ralf Rangnick’s team dominated much of the game, especially in the final 30 minutes, but were ultimately undone by two set-piece goals.
Turkey now prepares to face the Netherlands in their first quarter-final appearance since 2008, following the Oranje’s 3-0 triumph over Romania earlier on Tuesday in Berlin.
Austria entered the match as favorites, boasting an impressive group stage performance and a squad featuring several RB Leipzig stars.
However, they were stunned just 57 seconds in, as a corner kick led to a chaotic sequence where goalkeeper Patrick Penz’s deflection fell to Demiral, who blasted it into the net.
Austria, though initially shaken, regrouped with Baumgartner creating several chances. He narrowly missed the target on multiple occasions, including a close-range effort from a corner and another shot that went wide.
Turkey remained a threat throughout, and they might have doubled their lead before halftime if Baris Alper Yilmaz had not misfired after being set up on the right flank.
The second half saw Austria pressing with renewed vigor, frequently challenging the Turkish defense. Stefan Posch, Marko Arnautovic, and Michael Gregoritsch all missed promising opportunities.
Turkey capitalized on Austria’s missed chances, with Demiral scoring his second goal from another set piece.
The Al-Ahli defender headed in Arda Guler’s excellent cross, leaving Austria with a steep hill to climb.
Gregoritsch gave Austria a lifeline in the 66th minute, scoring from a set piece after Posch’s flick, setting up a tense final 25 minutes.
Turkey struggled to clear the ball as Austria applied relentless pressure, but the final touch eluded them. Baumgartner nearly connected with a header in the closing minutes but couldn’t get high enough.
In stoppage time, Yilmaz had a chance to secure Turkey’s win but failed to beat the goalkeeper. However, Baumgartner’s last-second effort was brilliantly saved by Gunok, ensuring Turkey’s progression to the quarter-finals.
