Turkey keeper Mert Gunok pulls off ‘Gordon Banks-eque’ save in 94th minute to assist his nation dramatically attain quarter-final of Euro 2024 after 2-1 victory over Austria

Turkey goalkeeper Mert Gunok helped his nation into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 with a shocking last-gasp save in opposition to Austria.

With Turkey 2-1 up within the match due to a brace from Martin Demiral, Ralf Rangnick‘s aspect had been piling on the stress after Michael Gregoritsch had pulled a objective again.

With the 4 minutes of added time up, Alexander Prass looped a cross into the field, and Christoph Baumgartner headed an effort on objective that appeared to be nestling within the nook.

Nevertheless, out of nowhere, Gunok leapt at full stretch and improbably tipped the midfielder’s effort previous the put up as Turkey held on for a well-known victory.

Lee Dixon, on commentary for ITV, was left greatly surprised as he labelled it it a ‘Gordon Banks-esque’ save, in reference to the previous England keeper’s gorgeous cease in opposition to Brazil on the 1970 World Cup.

‘His distribution has been completely first-class however that’s world class,’ he added. 

‘It is sort of a Gordon Banks reproduction. He has been a rock on the again. He made a very good save within the first half and he has made a worldie to maintain the tie at 2-1 and ship them to the quarter-finals.’

Sam Matterface, who was ITV’s lead commentator for the conflict, additionally chimed in as he mentioned: ‘This can be a historic second and they have their goalkeeper to thank for it. 

‘He’s crowded within the objective in entrance of the Turkey followers as a result of Berlin is looking and for the primary time in 16 years, they will a significant match quarter-final.’

Matterface and Dixon weren’t the one individuals in awe at Gunok’s save as a number of followers praised the Turkey stopper on social media.

One mentioned: ‘I do not suppose I ever have or ever will see a extra unimaginable save at a extra necessary time…completely unreal from Turkey. I am laborious rooting for them in opposition to the Netherlands.’

One other added: ‘Austria vs Turkey was one of the crucial insane end-to-end video games of soccer I’ve ever seen. That ultimate save simply made it a film. Chic.’

An additional supporter chimed in: ‘MERT WHAT A SAVE GOODNESS ME THAT’S UNBELIEVABLE,’ earlier than one other astonished supporter quipped: ‘That save by the Turkey goalkeeper was distinctive. 

‘Given the second, given the time within the recreation, and given the event – a knockout recreation. Good save. They usually say ‘objectives win video games’. So do saves. The job of a keeper isn’t to ‘play out’ – it’s to cease objectives moving into.’

It was an enormous night time for the Turks, who reached a quarter-final of a significant match for the primary time in 16 years.

In reality, since their run to the semi-finals at Euro 2008, Turkey have did not qualify for 5 out of eight tournaments, whereas they had been knocked out within the group stage at Euro 2016 and Euro 2020.

Gunok’s save capped an excellent recreation between two swashbuckling sides, however it’s the Turks who will tackle the Netherlands on Saturday at 8PM, within the different quarter-final on England’s aspect of the draw. 

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