Mert Gunok produced a stunning save in added time to secure Turkey’s place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 as they beat Austria 2-1 in the round of 16. The shot-stopper had to be on high alert as Christoph Baumgartner had a header in the final stages of the game.
Turkey took an early lead after Merih Demiral capitalised on a mistake at the back to sweep home inside 57 seconds. Austria failed to clear their lines and the defender was on hand to smash the ball into the back of the net.
Demiral would double his side’s lead in the second half, but a Michael Gregoritsch strike gave Austria hope with more than 20 minutes of normal time remaining. Ralf Rangnick’s side continued to push and thought they had found their equaliser when Baumgartner rose highest to meet a lofted cross.
But Gunok was on his toes and produced a phenomenal close-range save, diving to his right and flicking the ball up past the post. The goalkeeper then rose to his feet to celebrate wildly, as he was swarmed by his teammates who knew they had just secured their place in the last eight, with the save being hailed by fans as one of the best saves ever.
More to follow…