A wild, exhilarating, and passionate night of football unfolded as Turkey and Austria faced off in a thrilling encounter, with both teams playing as if their lives depended on it. The match, a round of 16 fixture, lived up to its billing as one of the most exciting games of the tournament so far.
The game was decided in dramatic fashion as Turkish goalkeeper Mert Gunok produced a spectacular save in the dying moments, denying Christoph Baumgartner an equalizer with a goal-bound header. The save drew comparisons to Gordon Banks‘ iconic save against Pele in the 1970 World Cup, with Austria manager Ralf Rangnick acknowledging its brilliance.
Austria entered the match with a well-engineered pressing strategy implemented by Rangnick and a wealth of confidence following their 6-1 thrashing of Turkey in Vienna earlier in the year. However, Turkey brought something intangible to the pitch, fueled by the incredible support they have received throughout the tournament.
The Turkish side started with two teenagers in their lineup, the first team to do so at these finals since 1964. They matched Austria’s intensity blow for blow, pace for pace, and energy with relentless energy. The game’s first goal came just 56 seconds in, as Merih Demiral capitalized on comical pinball defending from Austria to give Turkey the early lead.
Rangnick, known as ‘Wreck-it Ralf’, made tactical adjustments at halftime, sending his team out early in a new 4-3-3 formation. However, Turkey stood firm with a strong defensive line, making it increasingly difficult for Austria to find a way through. Despite their efforts, Austria struggled to find the clinical finish or moment of genius needed to break down the Turkish defense.
Demiral added a second goal for Turkey, heading in from a corner to give his side a two-goal cushion. Austria responded through Michael Gregoritsch, who tapped in from close range to keep his team in the game. The match culminated in a frantic finish, with Austria pushing for an equalizer but ultimately falling short as Gunok’s heroics secured Turkey’s victory.
Turkey will now face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals in Berlin on Sunday. They have brought a mix of exciting and poor football to the tournament, but their energy and the fusion of fans and players have created a formidable force that cannot be underestimated.
Merih Demiral (pictured) scored twice to help Turkey seal a 2-1 victory against Austria
The victory sets up a quarter-final clash between Turkey and the Netherlands
Demiral (left) gave Turkey an early lead with the fastest goal in the knockout stages of the tournament
Turkey’s performance was characterized by an unquantifiable blend of unpredictability and feverish intensity, fueled by the unwavering support they have received throughout the competition.
Fielding two teenagers in their starting lineup, a first for any team at the finals since 1964, Turkey matched Austria’s fire with their own brand of relentless energy and pace. They immediately disrupted Austria’s game plan, scoring after just 56 seconds through Merih Demiral, who capitalized on a comedic display of pinball defending from a corner.
Rangnick, nicknamed ‘Wreck-it Ralf’, is known for his ability to adapt and motivate his teams. True to form, he sent his team out early in the second half with a new 4-3-3 formation. However, Turkey stood firm, deploying a solid line of five defenders that made it increasingly challenging for Austria to breach as the game progressed.
Demiral’s second goal put Turkey in a commanding position
Michael Gergoritsch (R) gave Austria hope with a well-taken goal
Austria pushed hard for an equalizer but were unable to find the back of the net
Mert Gunok’s sensational save kept out Christoph Baumgartner’s header
Marko Arnautovic (left) and his teammates were left dejected after the defeat
Austria were considered favorites but were unable to advance past Turkey
Rangnick reflected on the match, acknowledging the high level of entertainment it provided: “I’ve seen other games where it was hard to stay awake, but that wasn’t the case with ours.”
Turkey’s victory sets up a highly anticipated quarter-final clash with the Netherlands in Berlin on Sunday. While their performances have been a mix of impressive and underwhelming, the energy and fusion of fans and players they have brought to the tournament have been nothing short of remarkable.