Turkey surprised Austria by winning 2-1 on Tuesday (2) in Leipzig and qualified for the quarter-finals of the Euro-2024where it will face the Netherlands.
Defender Merih Demiral opened the scoring for the Turks after just 57 seconds and increased the lead in the second half (59′) taking advantage of set pieces.
The Austrians pulled one back with a goal from Michael Gregoritsch (66′) and fought until the end for an equaliser in a dramatic match. But the score remained unchanged and Turkey advanced to the quarter-finals for the first time since Euro 2008.
“We showed our team spirit until the last minute,” Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella said. “I am very happy to give this joy to the Turks here (in Germany), at home (Turkey) and all over the world.”
Although the result is not an upset, it is one of the surprises of this Euro Cup, after Austria’s great performance in the group stage, who believed in a draw after Gregoritsch’s goal.
“I can’t believe we’re going home today. We thought we were going to continue our journey,” lamented Austria coach Ralf Rangnick. “We didn’t take enough chances and we didn’t defend their set pieces well.”
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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