WATCH: “Save of a lifetime” – Mert Gunok’s clutch 95th-minute save in Euros knockout helps Turkey reach the quarterfinals, fans react

Mert Gunok's save in the final minutes vs Austria was one worthy of winning any football match.

WATCH: “Save of a lifetime” – Mert Gunok’s clutch 95th-minute save in Euros knockout helps Turkey reach the quarterfinals, fans react

Mert Gunok's save vs Austria is undoubtedly one of the best saves of the tournament(Via X/@UEFAEuro2024 & brfootball)

Mert Gunok became one of the most celebrated names in Turkey on Tuesday night. The shot stopper pulled off a near unbelievable save in the final minutes against Austria to send his side through to the quarterfinals. Turkey hung on to their 2-1 lead in the final minutes of the game, though with much difficulty. Gunok’s crucial save is easily one of the best at the 2024 Euros.

Turkey booked their spot in the quarterfinals against the Netherlands after a stunning display at Leipzig Stadium. Merih Demiral opened the scoring for Turkey within a minute, setting a record for the fastest goal scored at the Euro knockouts in its history. This was followed by a leaping header in the 59th minute, after which many considered the job done for Turkey.

YouTube video

However, a quick finish from Michael Gregoritsch in the 66th minute set the scene for an exhilarating last 30 minutes. Despite holding Austria at bay for the greater part of 90 minutes, Turkey faced the biggest threat to qualify with only seconds left to go.

FS Video

Christoph Baumgartner‘s last-minute header looked goal-bound from all angles. However, a superhuman effort from Gunok kept his side’s lead untouched. Turkey have their goalkeeper to thank for keeping out the header and for booking a spot in the quarterfinals.

Turkey edge Austria in nail-biting Round of 16 clash as fans react to Mert Gunok’s breathtaking save

The final Round of 16 clash at the 2024 Euros certainly did not disappoint. From getting things underway early on to late drama, the game between Austria and Turkey had it all. Merih Demiral took centre stage as the 6’3″ centre-back blasted his side in front from a corner. Surprisin

Merih Demiral
Merih Demiral scored both the goals for Turkey as they beat Austria 2-1 (Via X/@brfootball)

Demiral leapt over both of his markers to exquisitely meet an inviting corner kick from none other than Arda Guler. After Lamine Yamal balled out against Georgia, it was time for the 19-year-old Real Madrid star to run the show for the men in white. As smooth sailing continued for Turkey, up stepped Michael Gregoritsch to fire his side back into the game. With just a one-goal deficit, the tide turned on Turkey, with Austria doing most of the attacking.

https://twitter.com/theomussolinii/status/1808272650000605574

A fan commented that Gunok’s save was easily the best save made at the Euros in Germany. Some were thoroughly in disbelief of the fact that Austria’s last minute header had an xG (expected goal ratio) of 0.94! Gunok saved a shot which was expected to be saved only 6% of the time! Following his heroics, Turkish supporters named him an instant legend and a name no one will forget for years to come. The 35-year-old currently plies his trade for Turkish club Besiktas J.K.

In case you missed it :