Turkey advances to Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals with Victory over Austria
In the final Round of 16 match of Euro 2024, Turkey secured a spot in the quarter-finals by defeating Austria in Leipzig on Tuesday evening.
Despite Austria topping Group D with victories over Poland (3-1) and the Netherlands (3-2) after an initial loss to France (0-1), they couldn’t overcome Turkey’s early and strategic gameplay.
Turkey, having finished second in Group F with wins against Georgia (3-1) and the Czech Republic (2-1) and a loss to Portugal (0-3), struck quickly in this match.
Vincenzo Montella’s team took the lead in the first minute when Merih Demiral scored from a scramble following an Arda Güler corner.
Demiral’s goal set a record for the fastest goal in a Euro Round of 16 match. Turkey continued to dominate tactically, with Austria creating few opportunities, mainly through Baumgartner.
The second half saw Turkey double their lead at the 59-minute mark, once again from a Güler corner, with Demiral heading the ball in.
Austria managed to pull one back through Gregoritsch in the 66th minute after a well-executed corner by Sabitzer.
Despite Austria’s late pressure, Turkey held on, with goalkeeper Günok making a crucial save in stoppage time to secure the victory.
The final score was 2-1 in favor of Turkey, who will now face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals on July 6 at 8:00 PM.
