Springing what was a EURO 24 upset on Tuesday night, Turkey booked their quarter-final ticket as they secured a lively 2-1 victory against Austria in Leipzig.
Although the Crescent Stars might have opened their Round of 16 showdown pencilled in as a real underdog, Vincenzo Montella’s men got off to a sensational start as defender Merih Demiral powered home in the opening 57 seconds.
In the torrential rain at the Red Bull Arena, Turkey and Demiral doubled their advantage just before the hour mark as the Al-Ahil star once again found himself free in Austria’s penalty box.
However, in what was an action-packed showdown on Tuesday night, Austria set up what was a grandstand finish as substitute Michael Gregoritsch tapped home at the back post midway through the second-half.
Although Das Team might have thrown everything at Turkey in the dying stages, they could not find a way past an inspired Turkey defence.
Goalkeeper Gunok was another hero for Turkey, saving superbly from Marko Arnautovic with the score at 1-0 and, most crucially of all, somehow keeping out a close-range Christoph Baumgartner header in stoppage time.
On a night when Turkey booked a first European quarter-final spot since way back in 2000, we have taken a look at the main talking points from Leipzig.
Turkey spring an upset in Leipzig
Hit with an infamous 6-1 drumming when they travelled to Vienna during March’s international break, Turkey were always bracing themselves for what appeared to be another stern examination in Leipzig on Tuesday night.
However, although the Crescent Stars might have been pencilled in as a real underdog contender in midweek, Montella’s men made quite the statement at the Red Bull Arena here.
Although Turkey might have failed to win any of their five appearances across all competitions prior to opening this summer’s European Championships, the former Sevilla boss has seen his squad come roaring back in some style.
Opening their EURO 24 adventure with a hard-fought 3-1 victory against major tournament debutants Georgia on June 18th, Montella’s side wrapped up a second-place finish in Group F behind former champions Portugal.
While Turkey might still have recorded just a single clean sheet over the past eight months, they have won three of their four appearances over in Germany this summer and find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high.
Austria miss out on a golden opportunity
Signing off their Group D campaign with a stunning performance last week as they secured an action-packed 3-2 victory against the Netherlands, Austria opened Tuesday’s Round of 16 showdown in Leipzig having received a string of plaudits.
Mustering six points from their three Group D appearances last month and eventually finishing ahead of European icons France, Ralf Rangnick’s men were tipped as a real standout contender here.
Clearly enjoying life under the former interim Manchester United boss and gaining a reputation for their ultra-energetic approach, Austria were certainly smelling a golden opportunity in midweek.
Opening Tuesday’s showdown having suffered just a pair of defeats under Rangnick’s guidance and claiming a thumping 6-1 win when they last met Turkey back during March’s international break, it appeared that the odds were stacked in Austria’s favour.
However, clearly left heartbroken at the final whistle and failing to book a maiden quarter-final ticket, Austria will now have to go back to the drawing board.
Holland await in the quarter-finals
Springing a real upset on Tuesday night, Turkey and their emotional support will now turn their attention to what appears to be another heavyweight challenge this weekend.
Although the Netherlands might have struggled to find much fluidity during their Group D campaign last year, Holland made a real statement earlier in the night as Ronald Koeman’s camp stormed their way to a 3-0 romp against Romania.
Once again pencilled in as a real underdog contender when they arrive in the German capital this weekend, Turkey should also be concerned by their most recent battle against the Dutch.
Hit with a woeful 6-1 drumming when they travelled to Amsterdam while in World Cup qualifying action back in September 2021, the Crescent Stars will be looking to once again rip up the script in Berlin.
Match Report
Austria: Pentz, Posch, Danso, Lienhart, Mwene, Seiwald, Laimer, Schmid, Baumgartner, Sabitzer, Arnautovic
Subs: Wober, Prass, Grillitsch, Gregoritsch
Turkey: Gunok, Ayhan, Demiral, Bardakci, Kadioglu, Kokcu, Yuksek, Muldur, Guler, Yilmaz, Yildiz
Subs: Yokuslu, Akturkoglu, Ozcan, Kahveci
Goals: Austria: Gregoritsch (66’) Turkey: Demiral (1’, 59’)
Yellow Cards: Austria: Lienhart, Schmid Turkey: Yuksek, Kokcu
Red Cards: N/A
Referee: Artur Soares Dias
