Leipzig: Turkey will face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 after a 2-1 win over Austria to reach the last eight of the European Championship for the first time since 2008.
Merih Demiral was no hero for Turkey as he put his side in front with less than a minute on the clock and then covered Leipzig with a well-timed header just before the hour mark.
Vincenzo Montella’s side, who lost captain Hakan Calhanoglu but are back at the Central Stadium, host the Netherlands in Berlin on Saturday after a 3-0 win over Romania on Tuesday.
Turkey can once again rely on their fans in the German capital as they aim to extend their run to the last four from 16 years ago.
The tournament was hosted by Austria, who played a full role in the entertaining game and on another day could have been the champions.
Ralf Rangnick’s side were on top for most of the game, especially in the second half, when they pressed the Turks and scored their second goal against the run of play.
Al-Ahly centre-back Demiral became the first European defender to score twice in the knockout stages of a major tournament since Lillian Thuram for France at the 1998 World Cup.
Michael Gregoritsch reduced the deficit shortly after Demiral scored his 4th international goal in the 48th by forcing Stefan Posch to tap home from another corner.
But Austria failed to capitalize on their dominance and were denied an equalizer by Christoph Baumgartner in the final seconds of added time with a fine save from Mert Gunock.
Second round wins from Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen put the Dutchman into the round of eight.
Ronald Koeman’s side beat Austria 3-2 to see the Oranje finish third in Group D.
But he was impressive on Tuesday, making some bad chances and finishing deserved winners at the Allianz Arena.
“We reacted well from the last game and I’m very happy… We took a step in the right direction today,” the Liverpool striker told Gakpo.
“It’s all about aggression, intensity and defending as a team, so I think it’s a good step and an important step.”
Gakpo was the Netherlands’ most effective player, giving his side the lead in the 20th minute when he caught goalkeeper Florin Nita at the near post.
Chances started to appear when Romania failed to stop their opponents and took matters into their own hands with seven minutes remaining after receiving a second dismissal for offside.
Gakpo slight slip from the crowded penalty area found Male, who knocked home, then added a stoppage-time finish to give the game more balance.
“The only thing that matters is that it took too long to get the second one,” Koeman said.
“We are the Netherlands, we have to play well. Today’s performance is very good and we have a chance to continue.” Whoever wins between the Netherlands and Turkey will play England and Switzerland on Wednesday.
