Turkey booked their place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals with a dramatic 2-1 win over Austria in Leipzig on Tuesday evening.
Merih Demiral opened the scoring after just 57 seconds to kick-start what may well be remembered as the game of the tournament. The centre-back was in dreamland in the second half as he doubled Turkey’s lead from another Arda Guler corner.
Austria wouldn’t go down quietly, pulling a goal back in the 66th minute through Michael Gregoritsch. In fact, Ralf Rangnick’s men were only denied by some heroic goalkeeping from Mert Gunok and frantic defending from the Turkish backline.
Awaiting Turkey in their first European Championship quarter-final since 2008 is the Netherlands, who they’ll face in Berlin on Saturday.
But first, here are the full player ratings from a remarkable match in Leipzig.
Austria vs Turkey player ratings
Austria (4-2-3-1)
Patrick Pentz – 4/10 – Didn’t cover himself in any glory on Turkey’s first goal. Only redeeming factor was his 100% pass completion rate, but that’s no good if you don’t command your box.
Stefan Posch – 8/10 – Unlucky to see the ball hit him from close range on Turkey’s opener. Recovered quickly to provide a great attacking outlet for Austria, creating a match-high six chances, including the assist for Gregoritsch’s goal.
Kevin Danso – 5/10 – Beaten in the air by Demiral on the second goal, ruining what was otherwise a solid performance.
Philipp Lienhart – 4/10 – Equally to blame on Turkey’s second goal and looked like a red card waiting to happen after being booked. Rangnick was right to withdraw him.
Philipp Mwene – 6/10 – Tried his best to offer Austria a threat in the final third but things didn’t quite come off. Sacrificed at half-time as Rangnick made a tactical change.
Konrad Laimer – 6/10 – By no means his best game in an Austria shirt, but a strange choice to be brought off given he was at least trying to break into the Turkish penalty area.
Nicolas Seiwald – 7/10 – Positive on the ball, trying to keep Austria going forward. Alert to loose balls in the middle, making nine recoveries, two interceptions and two tackles.
Romano Schmid – 6/10 – Put in some decent deliveries from set pieces but was less effective from open play. Brought off at half-time.
Christoph Baumgartner – 5/10 – Was actually a constant threat, but marked down not only for failing to clear the ball on Turkey’s first goal, but also for missing some golden…
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