Merih Demiral scored both goals as Turkey edged past Austria 2-1 to book a place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals football against the Netherlands.
Austria will be without Patrick Wimmer through suspension. But mainstays Konrad Laimer, Marcel Sabitzer and Marko Arnautovic are available. While Turkey will be without defender Samet Akaydin and midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu, who are both suspended. UFABET
Just 57 seconds into the first half, Turkey took a 1-0 lead when Arda Güler crossed into the penalty area from a corner kick. Austrian players tried to clear but failed to clear. And the ball fell to Merih Demiral, who fired a left-footed shot into the net.
Austria tried hard to equalise as Turkey waited to counterattack and had a chance to score in the 19th minute. When Arda Güler carried the ball a little beyond the middle of the field. Before sneaking a long-range shot after seeing the goalkeeper come out far, but the ball was off target.
Turkey hit back in the 25th minute when Arda Güler ‘s corner crossed for Merih Demiral, who headed the ball just wide. Turkey led 1-0 at half-time.
In the second half, in the 59th minute.
Turkey extended their lead to 2-0 from the same pattern of attack. A corner kick on the right side that Arda Güler threw to Merih Demiral. Who headed the ball above the Austrian center pair before heading it in decisively. It became Demiral’s second goal of the match.
Austria got the breakthrough seven minutes later from a corner as Marcel Sabitz crossed for Stefan Posch. Who headed a near post cross for substitute Michael Gregoritsch to slot home another effort at the far post to make it 2-1.
Austria then pressed hard, forcing Turkey to defend for the most part and had a clear chance in the 86th minute. When Marcel Sabitzer crossed for Christoph Baumgartner to head the ball over the bar.
In the remaining time, Austria continued to dominate the attacking game. But they were unable to equalize, with the closest coming when Christoph Baumgartner’s header was saved by Mert Gunok with an incredible save. The game ended with Turkey winning 2-1 and advancing to the quarter-finals to meet the Netherlands on Saturday, July 7.