Morning.
After some lower than entertaining Spherical of 16 video games, we received an excellent one final evening when Turkey performed Austria in Leipzig. An early purpose set the tone, a low nook triggered issues within the field, keeper Patrick Pentz clawed the ball away, however Merih Demiral was to lash it into the roof of the online from shut vary.
Austria nearly equalised instantly, and a few a subsequent nook of their very own, noticed the ball flash proper throughout the face of the Turkish purpose. The sport settled down a bit, Arda Guler impressed up entrance, and never for the primary time on this event, we noticed a participant strive his luck from long-distance however the Actual Madrid man’s effort went vast. I do marvel if, as goalkeepers are requested to play larger and better up, if this isn’t one thing we would see within the Premier League subsequent season. It’s most likely one thing we have to fear about ourselves, quite than begin training.
Ralf Rangnick made half-time modifications to try to alter the dynamic and trigger Turkey extra issues, and for essentially the most half they labored. 15 of Austria’s 21 makes an attempt on purpose got here within the second half, however because the rain teemed down, it was Turkey who doubled the lead. It was Demiral once more, rising highest from a nook to plant residence an important header to make it 2-0.
Austria got here again, and after a few earlier efforts, substitute Michael Gregoritsch discovered area on the again submit to make it 2-1 simply 7 minutes later. That purpose had a big impression on the ultimate phases of the sport. Turkey started to take a seat deeper and deeper, Austria pushed on, dominating possession and territory, however with out an excessive amount of penetration. They have been sluggish to get it vast, and once they ultimately did and put crosses in, both Turkish defenders made the clearance, or on attacker – typically Christoph Baumgartner – was wasteful with the end.
The stats are wonderful. Goalscoring hero Demiral made 17 clearances and blocked 4 pictures, what an unbelievable defensive effort from him alone, however there have been two different defenders in double figures for clearances too. I used to be impressed by reported left-back goal Ferdi Kadioglu who appears sensible on the ball, however received caught in with 6 tackles as Austria knocked, then hammered, then battered on the door within the ultimate jiffy.
At one finish Yilmaz nearly made it 3-1 on the break, just for Pentz to make an important save, earlier than his reverse quantity outdid him with a fully unbelievable cease. A lofted ball into the field was going to be Austria’s final likelihood, Baumgartner received it spot on this time, heading down and on-target, doing every little thing proper, however Mert Gunok’s reactions have been lightning fast, and he pushed the ball away when it appeared destined to hit the again of the online.
Truthfully, it’s among the best saves I’ve ever seen (right here it’s with Turkish commentary in case you haven’t had an opportunity but) – and for it to return at that time of the sport too, unbelievable. It had shades of Gordon Banks v Brazil all these years in the past, and it’s unquestionably one of many moments of Euro 2024 to this point. That was that, Austria have been out, and Turkey via to the quarter-finals. They’ve been a enjoyable facet to observe all through this event, and I believe they need to greater than fancy their possibilities of giving the Netherlands an excellent sport on Saturday night.
Earlier, Ronald Koeman’s facet have been good worth for his or her win over Romania. The keeper received’t need to watch the primary one again, however Romania supplied little in attacking menace and had be pleased about some wasteful Dutch ending and a purpose disallowed for offside. There was a late flourish when Donyell Malen, previously of this parish, popped up with a brace – the second of which was very properly accomplished – and I don’t assume anybody can have any complaints with how that sport turned out.
So, the complete line-up for the quarter-finals is as follows.
Friday
17.00 – Spain v Germany20.00 – Portugal v France
Saturday
17.00 – England v Switzerland20.00 – Netherlands v Turkey
To recap yesterday’s video games in podcast format, be part of us over on Patreon slightly in a while and we’ll just do that. In common rotation, there’s additionally a model new Arsenal Girls Arsecast during which Tim and Alex Ibaceta profile new ahead signing Mariona Caldentey, and there’s a model new Arsecast Additional beneath in case you haven’t had an opportunity to pay attention already.
For now, have an excellent one of us.
