Morning.
After some lower than entertaining Spherical of 16 video games, we bought a very good one final evening when Turkey performed Austria in Leipzig. An early objective set the tone, a low nook precipitated issues within the field, keeper Patrick Pentz clawed the ball away, however Merih Demiral was to lash it into the roof of the online from shut vary.
Austria virtually equalised instantly, and a few a subsequent nook of their very own, noticed the ball flash proper throughout the face of the Turkish objective. The sport settled down a bit, Arda Guler impressed up entrance, and never for the primary time on this match, we noticed a participant strive his luck from long-distance however the Actual Madrid man’s effort went huge. 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, moderately than begin practising.
Ralf Rangnick made half-time modifications to attempt to alter the dynamic and trigger Turkey extra issues, and for probably the most half they labored. 15 of Austria’s 21 makes an attempt on objective 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 residence a fantastic header to make it 2-0.
Austria got here again, and after a few earlier efforts, substitute Michael Gregoritsch discovered house on the again publish to make it 2-1 simply 7 minutes later. That objective had a major impression on the ultimate phases 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 had been gradual to get it huge, and once they finally did and put crosses in, both Turkish defenders made the clearance, or on attacker – usually Christoph Baumgartner – was wasteful with the end.
The stats are wonderful. Goalscoring hero Demiral made 17 clearances and blocked 4 pictures, 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 bought caught in with 6 tackles as Austria knocked, then hammered, then battered on the door within the remaining jiffy.
At one finish Yilmaz virtually made it 3-1 on the break, just for Pentz to make a fantastic 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 likelihood, Baumgartner bought it spot on this time, heading down and on-target, doing all the things proper, however Mert Gunok’s reactions had been lightning fast, and he pushed the ball away when it regarded destined to hit the again of the online.
Truthfully, it’s among the finest saves I’ve ever seen (right here it’s with Turkish commentary should 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 thus far. That was that, Austria had 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 feel they need to greater than fancy their probabilities of giving the Netherlands a very good sport on Saturday night.
Earlier, Ronald Koeman’s facet had been good worth for his or her win over Romania. The keeper gained’t need to watch the primary one again, however Romania supplied little in attacking menace and had be glad about some wasteful Dutch ending and a objective 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 sport 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 somewhat in a while 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 Additional beneath should you haven’t had an opportunity to pay attention already.
For now, have a very good one of us.
