Austria’s Euro Dreams Dashed by Determined Turkey

Austria’s Euro Dreams Dashed by Determined Turkey

Austria’s national football team crashed out of Euro 2024 last night as Ralf Rangnick’s side was beaten in a high-octane last-16 clash by a tenacious Turkey in pouring rain in Leipzig.

The ÖFB team, hoping for their first knockout phase victory in a major tournament since 1954, were stunned inside the first minute after a loose ball from a Turkey corner fell to centre-back Merih Demiral, who smashed it into the back of the net.

Despite piling on the pressure and creating several good opportunities, Austria conceded again just before the hour mark as Demiral headed in from close range from another corner, prompting wild celebrations from Turkey supporters in Leipzig.

Austria responded through substitute Michael Gregoritsch minutes later, igniting hope among their supporters. However, their Euro dreams were shattered by a brilliant save from Turkey goalkeeper Mert Günok in the closing seconds as he palmed away a Christoph Baumgartner header that would have forced the game into extra time.

Turkey will now face the Netherlands on Saturday in their first Euros quarter-final since 2008. The Dutch secured their spot with a commanding 3-0 victory over Romania in an earlier game.

Austria Chases Historic Euro Quarter-Final Spot

Photo: APA/AFP/JAVIER SORIANO

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