Out for Austria: Türkiye in celebration

The success of Austria's national football team at the European Championships in Germany came to an abrupt end in the round of 1. The favored ÖFB selection had to admit defeat to Turkey on Tuesday evening in Leipzig after falling behind early on with 2:0 (1:XNUMX).

July 02, 2024

From: dpa/tu

The fastest knockout round goal at a European Football Championship and the Turks playing like they were unleashed have destroyed all the dreams of dark horse favourite Austria and made Ralf Rangnick's return to Leipzig a night of great disappointment. Initiated by the opening goal by double goalscorer Merih Demiral after 57 seconds, the highly rated Austrians lost 1:2 (0:1) in a thrilling match on Tuesday evening.

Rangnick's team failed to make it to the quarter-finals of a European Championship finals for the first time. After another goal from Demiral (59th minute), the Austrians, who were full of Bundesliga pros, were unable to capitalize on Freiburg's Michael Gregoritsch's goal (66th minute) or a great final offensive.

The Turks and their teenage star Arda Güler from Real Madrid will play against the Dutch, who previously beat Romania 3-0, in Berlin on Saturday to reach the semi-finals of the European Championship. Turkey is in the quarter-finals of a European Championship for the first time since 2008 - back then they were eliminated in the semi-finals by Germany.

Turkey celebrates reaching the quarter-finals. © APA/afp / ANGELOS TZORTZINIS

Turkey came like the wind against Austria. After a corner from the left, Leipzig's Christoph Baumgartner cleared the ball before it crossed the line, but the ball bounced off teammate Stefan Posch and goalkeeper Patrick Pentz saved it right at Demiral's feet. The professional from the Saudi Arabian league didn't hesitate and caused the first explosion of joy and the 1-0 after 65 seconds.

Rangnick had to digest this on the sidelines. Quick goals are actually his team's speciality. Just before the goal, Borussia Dortmund's former RB professional Marcel Sabitzer was unable to get to the ball after a pass from Baumgartner.

Arda Güler once again caused a stir in attack. © ANSA / FILIP SINGER

But Rangnick's pressing machine had to make the game. Baumgartner, who had recently scored six goals in eight games, had the best chance to equalize. The RB professional failed with a long-range shot (2nd) under pressure from an opponent after a flat corner in front of the goal line.

Demiral’s big evening

It was clear that this had to change. The Austrians pressed hard after the break. Captain Marko Arnautovic (51') missed the best opportunity when he was free. And then this: Another corner, again taken by Güler. And again it was Demiral who scored. Flanked by two Austrians who didn't jump high enough, he headed the ball in.

Merih Demiral was the man of the hour. © ANSA / CHRISTOPHER NEUNDORF

Was that it? No, because Austria pulled themselves together and reduced the deficit through substitute Gregoritsch. Playing against the booing Turkish fans, all further attacking efforts were unsuccessful despite constant pressure in the final phase. Baumgartner missed the big chance in the fifth minute of stoppage time. And Rangnick watched his team's demise from the sidelines, petrified in the constant rain.