Merih Demiral the hero as Turkey beat Austria to reach Euro quarter-finals
- Planet Sport writer
- 2 July 2024
Merih Demiral fired a brace in Turkey's 2-1 win over Austria but the real hero was Turkish keeper Mert Gunok, whose injury time wonder-save sealed his side's progression.
Turkey will face the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals in Berlin after two contrasting last-16 showdowns in Germany on Monday.
Michael Gregoritsch also converted from a deflected set-piece to give the Austrians hope but Christoph Baumgartner spurned a succession of chances to find a leveller.
Baumgartner's frustration was complete deep into injury time as he rose highest in the box to power a goal-bound header only to see Gunok spring to his right and paw the ball around the post to spark raucous celebrations in the Turkish ranks.
Malen at the double
Donyell Malen eased Dutch nerves with a late brace as the Netherlands completed a 3-0 win over Romania in Munich to seal their place in the last eight.
Despite Cody Gakpo's early strike, Ronald Koeman's side spurned a succession of chances to make the game safe as Romania looked to find a way to force extra time.
But Malen eased nerves with a close-range finish seven minutes from time and wrapped up a deserved success after a fine run in stoppage time.
England at ease
The England squad enjoyed a much-needed rest day at Euro 2024 following the "emotional rollercoaster" victory over Slovakia on Sunday.
Jude Bellingham spoke of the mixture of feelings after his last-gasp overhead kick took the last-16 meeting into extra-time before Harry Kane headed home to seal a quarter-final against Switzerland.
"It was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, really," Bellingham told the Diary Room on England's social media channels.
"Not probably the most enjoyable way to win a game, obviously you always want to feel like you're in control and you're comfortable. But you‘ve got to find ways to win."
