Morning.
After some lower than entertaining Spherical of 16 video games, we acquired one final evening when Turkey performed Austria in Leipzig. An early aim set the tone, a low nook induced issues within the field, keeper Patrick Pentz clawed the ball away, however Merih Demiral was to lash it into the roof of the web 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 aim. The sport settled down a bit, Arda Guler impressed up entrance, and never for the primary time on this match, we noticed a participant attempt his luck from long-distance however the Actual Madrid man’s effort went large. I do surprise 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 in all probability one thing we have to fear about ourselves, reasonably than begin training.
Ralf Rangnick made half-time adjustments 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 aim 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 dwelling an important header to make it 2-0.
Austria got here again, and after a few earlier efforts, substitute Michael Gregoritsch discovered house on the again submit to make it 2-1 simply 7 minutes later. That aim had a major affect on the ultimate levels of the sport. Turkey started to sit down 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 large, and once they finally 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 photographs, 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 acquired caught in with 6 tackles as Austria knocked, then hammered, then battered on the door within the last couple of minutes.
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 completely unbelievable cease. A lofted ball into the field was going to be Austria’s final probability, Baumgartner acquired it spot on this time, heading down and on-target, doing every part proper, however Mert Gunok’s reactions have been lightning fast, and he pushed the ball away when it seemed destined to hit the again of the web.
Truthfully, it’s among the finest saves I’ve ever seen (right here it’s with Turkish commentary in the event you haven’t had an opportunity but) – and for it to come back 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 by way of to the quarter-finals. They’ve been a enjoyable facet to observe all through this match, and I believe they need to greater than fancy their probabilities of giving the Netherlands recreation on Saturday night.
Earlier, Ronald Koeman’s facet have been good worth for his or her win over Romania. The keeper received’t wish to watch the primary one again, however Romania supplied little in attacking risk and had be pleased about some wasteful Dutch ending and a aim 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 suppose anybody can have any complaints with how that recreation turned out.
So, the total 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 just a little afterward and we’ll do exactly that. In common rotation, there’s additionally a model new Arsenal Ladies Arsecast during which Tim and Alex Ibaceta profile new ahead signing Mariona Caldentey, and there’s a model new Arsecast Further beneath in the event you haven’t had an opportunity to hear already.
For now, have one people.
