Turkey’s Merih Demiral proved to be the star of the show as he scored twice to secure a 2-1 victory over Austria, booking their spot in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. The central defender’s goals came after just 57 seconds and another powerful header before the hour mark. The win sets Turkey up for a quarter-final clash against the Netherlands, who beat Romania 3-0 earlier on Tuesday. The victory sparked celebrations across Germany, with thousands of Turks taking to the streets in jubilation.
For Austria, the loss marked a bitter end to their European Championship campaign, with the team still searching for their first knockout match victory at a major tournament since 1954. Despite their best efforts, Austria fell short against a determined Turkish side that displayed resilience and focus throughout the match. The Austrians put up a fight in the second half, but were ultimately unable to overcome the Turkish defense.
Demiral’s Impact
Demiral’s early goal set the tone for Turkey’s performance, as he capitalized on a goalmouth scramble to give his team the lead. His second goal from a corner further solidified Turkey’s position, putting them ahead by two goals. Demiral’s impressive aerial prowess and finishing ability proved to be crucial for Turkey, allowing them to maintain their lead despite Austria’s late push for an equalizer.
Turkish Strategy
Despite missing their captain, Hakan Calhanoglou, Turkey’s tactical approach played a key role in securing the victory. The Turkish team demonstrated a disciplined defensive strategy, often conceding possession to Austria but pressing high up the pitch when necessary. Utilizing a 5-4-1 formation, Turkey disrupted Austria’s attacking play and looked to capitalize on counter-attacks to catch their opponents off guard.
Austria showed determination in the second half, increasing their tempo and creating several goalscoring opportunities. Captain Marko Arnautovic had a chance to equalize early in the second half, but was denied by a crucial save from the Turkish goalkeeper. Despite pulling a goal back through Michael Gregoritsch, Austria’s efforts fell short as they failed to break down Turkey’s defense in the dying moments of the match.
Rangnick’s Reflection
Austria’s coach, Ralf Rangnick, acknowledged the team’s efforts but lamented their lack of luck in front of goal. He praised his players for their fighting spirit and resilience, noting that they had opportunities to score but were unable to convert. Rangnick’s comments reflected the disappointment of the Austrian team, who will now have to wait for another major tournament to secure a knockout match victory.
Overall, Turkey’s victory showcased their determination and ability to perform under pressure, while Austria’s defeat highlighted the challenges of competing at the highest level of international football. Demiral’s standout performance will be remembered as a key moment in Turkey’s journey to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, as they look to continue their impressive run in the tournament.
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