Turkey goalkeeper Mert Gunok makes one of the all-time great saves to deny Austria in the last seconds
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
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.