Two corners. Two Merih Demiral goals.
The centre-back became an unexpected hero when Turkey defeated Austria with 2–1.
Now awaits the European Championship quarterfinal against the Netherlands.
57 seconds.
No longer than that did it take before Demiral had scored 1–0 in the European Championship round of 16 in Leipzig. An Arda Güler corner was lifted into the penalty area and after a decent flipper play, the ball ended up with the centre-back who clipped it in. A Turkish dream start and a stand that erupted in joy.
The first half continued intensely with chances for both teams, but without any further goals.
In the second half, Austria then stepped up the pace and created more and more chances. Striker Marko Arnautovic, among others, got a golden opportunity, but goalkeeper Mert Günok cut off the angle well and saved.
Nodded in 2–0
Instead of an equalizer? 2–0 to Turkey.
A new Arda Güler corner gave another Merih Demiral goal. This time, the 26-year-old – who normally plays for Saudi Arabian al-Ahli – nodded the ball in and got the big Turkish stand to cheer.
Austria's response would come quickly, and again it was after a corner. The lively substitute Michael Gregoritsch pushed in an Austrian reduction and the match heated up even more.
"Gordon Banks in goal"
Austria then pressed for an equalizing goal against a Turkey that fell deeper and deeper. Right at the end, goalkeeper Günok made a phenomenal save when he saved Christoph Baumgartner's header from close range.
Two-goal scorer Demiral couldn't believe his eyes:
It's one of the best saves I've ever seen. He (Günok) is the oldest in the team and very experienced, and I'm very happy for his sake, says Demiral to the European Football Association's website uefa.com.
Austria's national coach Ralf Rangnick compared Günok to England's golden goalkeeper from the 1966 World Championship:
We had enough time to equalize, but it's hard when they have Gordon Banks in goal.
For Turkey, the Netherlands await in the quarterfinal, which will be played on Saturday. Then the team will get back star and captain Hakan Calhanoglu, who was suspended in this match.
Friday at 18.00: Spain-Germany (Stuttgart).
Friday at 21.00: Portugal-France (Hamburg).
Saturday at 18.00: England-Switzerland (Düsseldorf).
Saturday at 21.00: Netherlands-Turkey (Berlin).
