Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Gunok save helps seal Turkey’s route onward
TURKEY will face the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals in Berlin after two contrasting last-16 showdowns in Germany last night.
Two late goals from Donyell Malen added to an early strike from Cody Gakpo and sealed a 3-0 win for the Dutch over Romania in Munich.
Merih Demiral also fired a brace in Turkey’s 2-1 win over Austria but the real hero was Turkish keeper Mert Gunok, whose injury time wonder-save sealed his side’s progression.
Merih Demiral scored after just 57 seconds and added a second on the hour as two set-plays undid Austria in their last16 clash in Leipzig.
Michael Gregoritsch also converted from a deflected set-piece to give the Austrians hope but Christoph Baumgartner spurned a succession of chances to find a leveller.
Baumgar tner ’s frustration was complete deep into injury time as he rose highest in the box to power a goal-bound header only to see Gunok spring to his right and paw the ball around the post to spark raucous celebrations in the Turkish ranks.
The quarter final line-up is now complete.
Spain v Germany
The Spanish have arguably been the team of the tournament so far, scoring nine goals and winning all four games in style. Germany have actually outscored Spain and their encounter in Stuttgart could be a cracker.
Portugal v France Roberto M a r t i n e z ’s men survived a real scare before edging past Slovenia on penalties, and debate rages over 39-year-old Cri st i ano Ronaldo’s role.
England v Switzerland Gareth S o u t h g a t e ’s England are still standing despite a series of laboured performances, while the Swiss have been organised and determined.