Austria 1-2 Turkey

Euro 2024/Round of 16

MOTM: Merih Demiral

Other standout performances include: Arda Guler & Stefan Posch

Match Stats:

• xG: 2.62 - 1.34

• xThreat: 3.12 - 1.12

• Possession: 60.3% - 39.7%

• Field Tilt: 83.7% - 16.3%

Turkey Triumph

Turkey used an aggressive man-to-man approach in the first half that had Arda Guler able to float behind and pick up the Austrian midfielder that was supporting the central defenders in the buildup. Yilmaz and Yildiz pressing the two central defenders of Austria. When it worked well, Turkey had chances but when Austria got past the press they could break on Turkey. Leading to a number of chances for them.

Arda Güler was playing as a false nine in this match which not only helped with the press but also when Turkey was looking to attack Austria. Dropping between the lines for a pass from the back line. Moving across to the flank to support Yilmiz.

He was providing dangerous balls into the box all game long for Turkey with his corner deliveries and it started from the first few minutes with this one. The Austrian defenders and keeper in panic pushed the ball back out into the path of Demiral to score. Giving the team and their fans hope from minute one.

The second half deliveries were no different from Güler and this time Demiral rose to head this one at the near post. Turkey 2-0 up and in dreamland.

Austria finally managed to respond with a corner of their own, missing a number of chances throughout the game, Gregoritsch made sure Austria don’t miss this chance.

Austria pushed hard until the end of the match, both teams were visibly knackered in the final ten minutes of the match. A hopeful ball into the box gives Austria one last chance to equalize and Günok makes the save of the tournament.

Turkey were involved in arguably the best group game, against Georgia and now the best knockout game we’ve seen in the tournament. This time without their captain Çalhanoğlu.

Daring in attack with the likes of Yıldız and Yılmaz. The brave and technical ability of Arda Güler. Kadıoğlu annoucing himself as one of the best upcoming full backs in the world. There is so much to like about Turkey and they’ve got the route to final that makes it all possible.

Brutal way to go out for Austria after coming through and topping their group of death. I’d pay close attention to them heading into the 2026 World Cup if Rangnick stays in charge.

Turkey will now head into the Quarter-finals and face off against the Netherlands on the 6th July, 20:00 GMT. The winner will take on England/Switzerland in the Semi-finals.

Netherlands 0-3 Romania

Euro 2024/Round of 16

MOTM: Cody Gakpo

Other standout performances include: Xavi Simons & Donyell Malen

Match Stats:

• xG: 0.36 - 3.05

• xThreat: 0.56 - 2.24

• Possession: 35.1% - 64.9%

• Field Tilt: 34.4% - 65.6%

• Penalty Box Shots: 2 - 17

• Deep Completions: 3 - 19

• PPDA: 20.6 - 9.3

• High Turnovers: 2 - 7

• 10+ Pass Sequences: 2 - 23

The Netherlands Arrive

Far more impressive performance from the Netherlands and they looked well organized in attack. Finding space between the lines for Xavi Simons to turn and run at the back line of Romania. Cody Gakpo islotated on the left side to drive into the box.

Netherlands continued to waste chances throughout the first-half from transitions, finding space between the lines, well worked shots inside the box and cut backs. The Romanian defenders made brilliant tackles and blocks but even with all of those, Netherlands should have scored a couple in the first half alone.

Cody Gakpo had been the fantastic for the Netherlands in the last World Cup and delivered again in Euro 2024. Getting the pass from Xavi Simons, cutting inside and shooting near post to give the Netherlands the lead.

It’s Cody Gakpo who does not give up, pushing to the by-line and finding Marlen inside the 6 yard box to put the Netherlands 2-0 up.

In transition, Simons finds the run of Marlen who carries the ball halfway down the pitch but has two Romanian defenders to deal with.

Marlen cuts between the two defenders at the right moment, getting himself the space to shoot and finish near post. Netherlands go 3-0 up and the game is wrapped up.

Fascinating team to watch throughout the tournament, the Netherlands have put in impressive performances and completely bewildering ones. They looked lost against Austria but dangerous against Romania. Who knows which team will turn up against Turkey…

The Netherlands will now head into the Quarter-finals and face off against Turkey on the 6th July, 20:00 GMT. The winner will take on England/Switzerland in the Semi-finals.

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