As the match drew to a close, Australia, determined not to bow out of the tournament, desperately sought an equaliser despite being down and time running out. A superb cross from the left flank found the lonely head of Christoph Baumgartner, positioned close to the penalty spot. The striker soared into the air and headed home, making a goal seem imminent in the stands. However, Mert Günok became the hero by making a spectacular save, considered by many to be the saving grace of Euro 2024. With this move, the scoreline ended in favour of the Turks, who advanced to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
As the European Championship draws ever closer to its final phase, we have become accustomed to great goals, but it is rare for goalkeepers to become the protagonists and steal the spotlight. In extra time, specifically in the 94th minute, Mert Günok made an impressive save. This not only allowed Australia to draw level, but also prevented his team, which was already tasting qualification for the quarter-finals, from avoiding the dreaded extra time.
The Turkish goalkeeper’s amazing save was a surprise for both the television viewers and the fans at the Red Bull Arena. It was such a shock that even his teammates, after celebrating their passage to the quarter-finals in euphoria, came up to celebrate with him. Merih Demiral was stunned by the spectacular nature of his teammate’s save in the final minutes of the match, even saying a curious phrase to him: “My son Merto, how did you get it out? God bless you!” he said.
This is not the first time that Mert Günok has shown his impressive reflexes between the posts. At other European Championships, the 35-year-old goalkeeper, who plays for Karabük, has also made similar saves for his national team. With the victory, Turkey avenged the 6-1 defeat inflicted on them by Austria three months earlier in a friendly match. After winning their group at Euro 2024, Austria will now have to return home empty-handed.
Mert Günok is a goalkeeper for the Turkish national team. (Photo: Agencies).
Who will Turkey face in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals?
Turkey will face the Netherlands on Saturday, July 6, at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, at 2:00 pm (Colombian and Peruvian time) after defeating Austria 2-1. The ‘Clockwork Orange’ comes from beating Romania 3-0 at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
In this way, Ronald Koeman’s team put an end to the hopes of Edward Iordanescu’s team. With a goal from Gakpo (20′), who scored with a powerful shot. In the second half, Donyell Malen sealed the match with a skilful play along the goal line (83′) and consolidated the rout with a goal in stoppage time.
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