- Turkey beat Austria 2-1 of their Euro 2024 last-16 tie in Leipzig on Tuesday
- Mert Gunok made a superb save within the final minute to assist Turkey win the match
- Concentrate It has all begun! Euros Day by day: Why do England look 'unhappy' and why do they appear divided into 'two factions'?
Turkey goalkeeper Mert Gunok made a superb last-minute save towards Austria to assist his nation attain the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
Turkey led 2-1 thanks to 2 targets from Martin Demiral, earlier than Ralf Rangnick's facet got here below strain after a purpose from Michael Gregoritsch.
4 minutes into further time, Alexander Prass despatched a cross into the field, and Christoph Baumgartner fired an effort goalward which went into the nook.
Nonetheless, Gunok abruptly jumped with full drive and pointed the midfielder's shot previous the submit, giving Turkey a sensational win.
Lee Dixon, commentating for ITV, was left shocked as he described it as a 'Gordon Banks-like' save, a reference to the previous England goalkeeper's sensible save towards Brazil within the 1970 World Cup.
Turkey goalkeeper Mert Gunok made a superb final minute save to present his nation a 2-1 win over Austria.
Christoph Baumgartner's header within the 94th minute went right into a nook.
However Gunok's hilarious intervention helped his facet maintain on to a slender 2-1 lead
“Their distribution is completely top notch, however it's world class,” he mentioned.
'It's like a reproduction of Gordon Banks. He's been a rock on the again. He made an excellent save within the first half and he put in a world-class efficiency to maintain the tie at 2-1 and put them into the quarter-finals.'
Sam Matterface, who was ITV's essential commentator for the match, additionally weighed in, saying: 'It is a historic second they usually have their goalkeeper to thank for that.
'He's standing on the goalpost in entrance of the Turkish followers as Berlin calls on them they usually're heading to the quarter-finals of a serious match for the primary time in 16 years.'
Talking after the match, Rangnick joined within the reward regardless of his facet's defeat, saying: 'We had sufficient time to equalise. However it was very tough as a result of Turkey had Gordon Banks in purpose.'
Not solely have been Rangnick, Matterface and Dixon stunned by Gunok's rescue, however many followers praised the turkey stopper on social media.
One mentioned: 'I don't suppose I've ever seen or will ever see a extra unbelievable save at a extra essential time… that is completely unreal from Turkey. I'm completely pumped for them towards the Netherlands.'
One other mentioned: 'Austria vs Turkey was the craziest end-to-end sport of soccer I've ever seen. That final save made it a film. Sensible.'
One other supporter mentioned: 'For me Mert's save is unbelievable,' earlier than one other amazed supporter quipped: 'The save by the Turkish goalkeeper was extraordinary.
Gunok, 35, who performs for Besiktas, was surrounded by Turkish gamers after he saved the ball.
Baumgartner couldn’t imagine that Austria was eradicated regardless of largely dominating the sport.
Followers have been additionally fast to reward Gunok as they have been left stunned by the rescue
'Trying for the time being, wanting on the time within the sport, and looking out on the event – a knockout sport. Sensible defence. They often say 'targets win video games'. Defending is similar method. The goalkeeper's job is to not 'play' – his job is to cease targets entering into.'
It was an enormous evening for the Turks, who reached the quarter-finals of a serious match for the primary time in 16 years.
The truth is, since reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2008, Turkey have did not qualify for 5 out of eight tournaments, whereas they have been eradicated within the group stage at Euro 2016 and Euro 2020.
Gunok's save put an finish to a superb sport between two nice groups, however it’s now the Turks who will face the Netherlands, who play England, within the different quarter-final of the draw on Saturday at 8pm.
