Turkiye Triumphs Over Austria With Demiral's Double, Sets Quarter-Final With Netherlands

Turkiye's Merih Demiral made history with a record-breaking goal, leading his team to a 2-1 victory over Austria at Euro 2024. This win sets up a quarter-final clash with the Netherlands. Ralf Rangnick's squad, who topped Group D ahead of France and Ronald Koeman's Oranje, faltered in the first knockout round on Tuesday in Leipzig.

Demiral scored after just 57 seconds, marking the fastest knockout-stage goal in European Championship history. He then doubled Turkiye's lead after the interval. Michael Gregoritsch gave Austria hope with his 66th-minute goal, but Vincenzo Montella's team held on thanks to last-minute heroics from Mert Gunok.

Christoph Baumgartner almost equalised immediately after Demiral’s opener. He danced towards the edge of the area and narrowly missed Gunok's left-hand post with a right-footed shot. Moments later, another chance fell to Baumgartner as Demiral failed to clear Romano Schmid's corner, but Baumgartner couldn't get the decisive touch at the back post.

Those missed chances haunted Austria when Guler delivered another corner onto Demiral's head after 59 minutes. Demiral powered home from inside the six-yard box to double Turkiye’s lead. Substitute Gregoritsch reduced the deficit seven minutes later by steering in after Stefan Posch’s flick-on.

Baumgartner had another opportunity to level the score in stoppage time, but Gunok made an expert save that will be remembered by Turkish supporters for years. This victory marks Turkiye’s first progression to the quarter-finals in 16 years.

Historic Achievements

Demiral is now the first Turkish player to score a brace at the Euros since Nihat Kahveci against Chechia in 2008 and the first-ever Turkish player to do so in knockout rounds. Turkiye also holds records for the earliest goals scored in knockout rounds at both the European Championships and World Cup (Hakan Sukur versus Korea Republic in 2002 - 0:11).

Austria’s defeat came at the hands of a familiar adversary, as they have now gone winless in their last six meetings with Turkiye. Turkiye will now aim to overcome the Netherlands in Berlin on Saturday.

Incredible. Trkiye face Netherlands in Berlin next #EURO2024 | #AUTTUR pic.twitter.com/FKv6Dyaqlg

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 2, 2024

This match was significant not only for its immediate impact but also for its historical context within Turkish football. The team's resilience and strategic play were key factors in their success against Austria.

The upcoming quarter-final against the Netherlands promises to be an exciting encounter as Turkiye aims to continue their impressive run at Euro 2024.