Turkey beat high-flying Austria 1-2 in an Euro Cup match at the Olympiastadion Berlin on Wednesday to set up a quarter-final clash against the Netherlands later this week.
Match Result:
Austria 1-2 Turkey
Goalscorers:
Austria: Michael Gregoritsch (61’)
Turkey: Merih Demiral (1’, 59’)
First Half Analysis:
Turkey seized an early lead with Merih Demiral scoring in the opening minute from a spectacular corner kick. The early setback disrupted Austria’s game plan, thrusting them on the back foot. Slowly, they started dominating the proceedings but lacked fire in the final third. On the other hand, Turkey were solid defensively and often caught AAustria’sdefence off-guard in the counters.
Key Moments: 
Turkey netted the quickest goal in Euro knockout history.
Austria faltered under early pressure.
Turkey effectively neutralized Marcel Sabitzer.
Second Half Highlights:
Austria, invigorated by halftime substitutions, displayed renewed vigor. Nevertheless, Turkey extended their lead with another goal from Demiral (59’), mimicking the first. Austria responded with Gregoritsch’s goal (61’), but Turkey’s resolute defense thwarted further attempts. Austria’s last-minute opportunity in stoppage time was thwarted by Mert Günok.
Key Moments:
Turkey capitalized again from a set-piece.
Austria fired 21 shots but only 5 were on target.
Christoph Baumgartner narrowly missed an equalizer in the dying moments.
Match Defining Moments:
Demiral’s Early Strike:
Turkey, considered underdogs, needed a strong start. Demiral’s goal set the tone, unsettling Austria who failed to recover composure.
Aggressive Tackling:
Turkey’s physical approach, despite resulting in yellow cards, disrupted Austria’s rhythm. Coach Vincenzo Montella’s strategy stifled Austria’s key players.
Günok’s Crucial Save:
Austria’s final attempt, a precise shot from Baumgartner, was denied by Günok’s fingertip save, sealing Turkey’s victory.
Implications and Future Prospects:
Austria, despite topping their group, faced elimination. Their offensive shortcomings and set-piece vulnerabilities overshadowed their otherwise commendable campaign. Turkey, continuing their remarkable journey, now eye the Netherlands. Their tenacity and tactical acumen, under Montella’s guidance, make them a formidable opponent.
Upcoming Fixtures:
Netherlands vs. Turkey: July 7 (Parimatch odds – Netherlands: 1.61x, Turkey: 5.60x)
Conclusion:
Turkey’s victory, defying expectations, highlighted football’s unpredictability. Their path to success, driven by tactical brilliance, positions them as a formidable contender against the Netherlands, though their attack requires refinement.
