In a thrilling Euro 2024 quarterfinal match at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Turkey stunned Austria with an early goal, taking a 1-0 lead in the first half. Merih Demiral found the net just 57 seconds into the game, setting a record for the second-earliest goal in European Championship history. This dream start for Turkey came from a cross by Barış Alper Yılmaz from the right flank, which Demiral converted from close range.Both teams entered the match with key players missing due to suspensions. Turkey was without captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Samet Akaydın, while Austria missed Patrick Wimmer. The match was crucial for both sides, with the winner set to face the Netherlands in the semifinals on July 6 in Berlin.Austria, who had impressed in the group stage by defeating France and topping their group, struggled to create clear scoring opportunities against a resolute Turkish defense. Their closest chance came when Arnautovic’s shot hit the post. Turkey, on the other hand, looked to build on their strong start and maintain their defensive solidity, which had been tested in their group stage loss to Portugal.The match has significant historical context, being only Turkey’s second appearance in the round of 16 since 2008, while Austria is playing in its second consecutive quarterfinal. With a head-to-head record slightly favoring Austria (9 wins to Turkey’s 7), the Turkish team is aiming to overturn their 6-1 loss to Austria in a friendly match earlier this year.
Key points
- Turkey scored within the first minute against Austria in the Euro 2024 quarterfinal.
- Merih Demiral’s goal is the second-earliest in European Championship history.
- The winner of this match will face the Netherlands in the semifinals on July 6 in Berlin.
- Both teams were missing key players due to suspensions.
Contradictions👾There is a slight discrepancy in the exact timing of the goal, with some sources stating it was scored after 57 seconds, while others mention it was in the first or second minute.
