Austria Bows Out Of Euro 2024: Rangnick Praises Team's Spirit And Entertainment Value

Ralf Rangnick expressed frustration with Austria's defensive lapses but praised their entertainment value after their Euro 2024 exit. Austria led Group D, surpassing France and the Netherlands, but were undone by two corners in their 2-1 defeat to Turkiye in Leipzig on Tuesday.

Merih Demiral scored just 57 seconds into the match following Arda Guler's set-piece, and the same duo struck again in the second half. Despite falling at the first knockout stage for the second consecutive Euros, Rangnick remained positive about his team's efforts.

"We didn't have the necessary luck," said Rangnick. "I believe if the game had gone to extra time we would have had a chance to win. The Turks were fairly exhausted towards the end, but we had a physical advantage."

Austria recorded an expected goals figure of 2.7 against Turkiye, the highest for a team that failed to progress from the Euros knockouts since France against Switzerland in 2020 (3.1). Mert Gunok's last-minute save from Christoph Baumgartner's header highlighted Austria's missed chances.

"We didn't score enough goals and didn't defend set pieces well," Rangnick added. "For the second goal, we had three players good at headers, but Demiral still scored. If you're two goals behind, it's not easy."

Turkiye's Triumph

Mert Gunok expressed his joy after Turkiye reached the quarter-finals of a major tournament for the first time in 16 years. "We are very happy; it is difficult to find words right now," said Gunok. "It was a great win; I thank everyone who supported us."

Demiral became the first defender to score twice in a game at a major tournament since John Stones for England against Panama at the 2018 World Cup. "How happy is the one who says I am a Turk?" Demiral said, reflecting on their supporters' incredible moments.

Looking Ahead

Vincenzo Montella will hope that Demiral and Gunok can deliver again when they face the Netherlands in Berlin on Saturday. The Dutch team advanced by defeating Romania 3-0 on Tuesday.

"The four games we played were very entertaining," Rangnick noted. "Not everything was accurate; we could have played a few passes better."

The excitement cited by Rangnick was evident as Austria created numerous chances but couldn't convert them into goals. Despite their exit, Austria's performance was far from dull.

This victory has boosted Turkiye's morale and confidence as they aim to go further in Euro 2024. "We still have a long way to go," Gunok stated. "If it's God's will, we will go to the very end."