This will no doubt go down as the save of Euro 2024.
Mert Gunok produced one of the greatest saves in European Championship history in the final seconds of Monday’s last-16 clash between Turkey and Austria.
Turkey progressed to the quarter-final stage of Euro 2024 after a thrilling encounter in Leipzig.
Vincenzo Montella’s side got off to the best possible start when centre-back Merih Demiral scored with 57 seconds on the clock – the second-fastest goal in European Championship history.
Demiral, who was a significant aerial threat throughout the knockout stage tie, then doubled Turkey’s lead in the 59th-minute with another close range finish.
To their credit, Austria didn’t let their heads drop and after applying pressure in forward areas, Michael Gregoritsch pulled one back after showing great movement at the back post.
Ralf Rangnick’s side looked dangerous in attacking areas. In fact, it looked like Christoph Baumgartner was about to equalise in the dying embers when he got his head to an inch-perfect cross.
But the majestic Mert Gunok had different ideas. What about this for a save?
Austria came desperately close to equalising with seconds left on the clock but it was all too late 🫣#Euro2024
| #AUTTURpic.twitter.com/WMB3jLPM0P— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 2, 2024
As per The xG Philosophy, Austria’s last minute header was worth 0.94 xGOT [expected goals on target]. Basically, a goalkeeper would only be expected to save the effort six per cent of the time.
Here’s how fans on social media reacted to Gunok’s save.
One said: “When I was a kid, the greatest save I ever read about or saw, was Gordon Banks save off Pele’s header in the 1970 World Cup. That save by Gunok from Baumgartner’s header is every bit as good. It deserves a place in goalkeeping history.”
A second wrote: “That is one of the greatest saves ever. Absolutely astonishing from Mert Gunok,” while another commented: “Mert Gunok that is absolutely ridiculous sir, one of the best saves I’ve ever seen.”
A fourth said: “I’m not exaggerating when I say this is one of the best saves I’ve ever seen. Back across goal, bouncing off a soaking surface, in such a huge moment. Phenomenal from Gunok.”
A fifth added: “When I was a kid I remember seeing footage telling me this Peter Schmeichel effort v Rapid Vienna was one of the best saves ever, the heir to Banks v Brazil. I think Turkey’s Mert Gunok beats them both!”
Turkey will face the Netherlands in Berlin on Saturday night as they bid to make a historic semi-final.
Hot news:
Jude Bellingham facing Euro 2024 ban as UEFA perform U-turn over England star's X-rated gesture (an)
Hot news:
News
Man Utd transfer under threat as tens of thousands of fans sign petition to stop it from happening (an)
Manchester United’s mooted transfer could be under threat after an incredible amount of fans signed a petition. One of Manchester United’s mooted summer transfers could be under…
England forward Ivan Toney practises taking penalties from 13 yards instead of 12, it’s a genius move (an)
Toney’s penalty technique has become a hot topic of debate after he scored against Switzerland at Euro 2024. A coach who worked with Ivan Toney has offered…
Declan Rice’s unseen role in England penalty shootout win over Switzerland emerges, he was ‘needed’ (an)
The midfielder played a crucial role in the shootout, despite not taking a spot-kick. Declan Rice played a crucial role in England’s penalty shootout victory over Switzerland,…
Gareth Southgate has banned England squad from speaking about topic in bid to win Euro 2024 (an)
Southgate has issued the unprecedented ban as he doesn’t want it to become an ‘obsession’. Gareth Southgate has issued an ‘unprecedented’ ban to every member of the…
Manchester United make unusual Mason Greenwood decision with two clubs in ‘advanced talks’ to sign forward (an)
The attacker has now returned to Old Trafford after a loan spell at Getafe. Mason Greenwood has returned to Manchester United after a loan spell away from…
Erik ten Hag ‘ready to move’ key player out of Man United, his time at the club is over (an)
Erik ten Hag and new sporting director Dan Ashworth are reportedly keen to move the Man United star. Erik ten Hag is reportedly to move on a…
End of content
No more pages to load