Turkiye secured a resounding 2-0 victory over Austria in the Round of 16 at Euro 2024, thanks to a stellar performance from defender Mehir Demiral. The match, held at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany, saw Demiral etch his name in European Championship history with two goals.
Demiral’s first goal came just 57 seconds into the match, making it the second-fastest goal ever scored in the tournament’s history. The Turkish defense failed to clear a corner kick, and the ball fell to Demiral, who blasted it into an empty net. The early goal set the tone for the match, giving Turkiye an advantage from the outset.
In the second half, Demiral continued his dominant performance, rising highest to meet another corner kick and guide it past Austrian goalkeeper Patrick Pentz. This goal doubled Turkiye’s lead and cemented their progression to the next stage of the tournament. Demiral’s brace made him the second player in the ongoing European Championship to score two goals in a single match.
Demiral’s journey to the top has been impressive. He honed his skills in the Fenerbahçe youth system before joining Portuguese club Alcanenense in 2016. After spells in Portugal and Turkiye, he moved to Serie A side Sassuolo in January 2019. Demiral’s talent caught the eye of Juventus, who signed him on a five-year contract in July 2019. He had the opportunity to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo during his time with the Old Lady.
Demiral’s career continued to flourish with a move to Serie A club Atalanta, before he made a transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli during the summer of 2023. On the international stage, Demiral made his debut for Turkiye in 2018, coming on as a substitute against Ukraine. He also holds the unfortunate distinction of scoring an own goal against Italy during the UEFA Euro 2020 campaign.
Demiral’s exceptional performance in the Round of 16 has not only secured Turkiye’s place in the next stage but has also cemented his reputation as a key player for both club and country. The Turkish defender has shown himself to be a formidable force on the pitch, capable of delivering crucial goals and impactful performances.
