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4 months ago
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Turkey goalkeeper Mert Gunok helped his nation into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 with a stunning last-gasp save against Austria.
With Turkey 2-1 up in the match thanks to a brace from Martin Demiral, Ralf Rangnick's side were piling on the pressure after Michael Gregoritsch had pulled a goal back.
After the four minutes of added time were up, Alexander Prass looped a cross into the box, and Christoph Baumgartner headed an effort on goal that looked to be nestling in the corner.
However, out of nowhere, Gunok leapt at full stretch and improbably tipped the midfielder's effort past the post as Turkey held on for a famous victory.
Lee Dixon, on commentary for ITV, was left taken aback as he labelled it a 'Gordon Banks-esque' save, in reference to the former England keeper's stunning stop against Brazil at the 1970 World Cup.
Turkey keeper Mert Gunok made a stunning last-gasp save to help his nation beat Austria 2-1
Christoph Baumgartner's 94th minute headed effort looked destined to nestle in the corner
But Gunok's ludicrous intervention helped his side hold onto their slender 2-1 advantage
'His distribution has been absolutely first class but that is world class,' he added.
'It is like a Gordon Banks replica. He has been a rock at the back. He made a good save in the first half and he has made a worldie to keep the tie at 2-1 and send them to the quarter-finals.'
Sam Matterface, who was ITV's lead commentator for the clash, also chimed in as he said: 'This is a historic moment and they have got their goalkeeper to thank for it.
'He is crowded in the goal in front of the Turkey fans because Berlin is calling and for the first time in 16 years, they are going to a major tournament quarter-final.'
Matterface and Dixon weren't the only people in awe at Gunok's save as several fans praised the Turkey stopper on social media.
One said: 'I don't think I ever have or ever will see a more incredible save at a more important time...absolutely unreal from Turkey. I'm hard rooting for them against the Netherlands.'
Another added: 'Austria vs Turkey was one of the most insane end-to-end games of football I’ve ever seen. That final save just made it a movie. Sublime.'
A further supporter chimed in: 'MERT WHAT A SAVE GOODNESS ME THAT'S UNBELIEVABLE,' before another astonished supporter quipped: 'That save by the Turkey goalkeeper was exceptional.
Gunok, 35, who plies his trade for Besiktas, was mobbed by Turkey's players after his save
Baumgartner was in disbelief as Austria crashed out despite dominating much of the game
Fans were quick to join in on heaping praise on Gunok as they were left astonished by the save
'Given the moment, given the time in the game, and given the occasion - a knockout game. Brilliant save. They normally say 'goals win games'. So do saves. The job of a keeper isn’t to 'play out' - it’s to stop goals going in.'
It was a huge night for the Turks, who reached a quarter-final of a major tournament for the first time in 16 years.
In fact, since their run to the semi-finals at Euro 2008, Turkey have failed to qualify for five out of eight tournaments, while they were knocked out in the group stage at Euro 2016 and Euro 2020.
Gunok's save capped a brilliant game between two swashbuckling sides, but it is the Turks who will take on the Netherlands on Saturday at 8PM, in the other quarter-final on England's side of the draw.
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