viagramof – Veteran Turkish defender Merih Demiral has established himself as an extraordinary star
Demiral became the first defender to score two goals in a knockout match in a major tournament (world Cup Or European Cup) since the legend France national team Lilian Thuram on the evening of Les Bleus’ qualification for the 1998 World Cup final at the expense of Croatia.
Lilian Thuram vs Croatia, 1998. pic.twitter.com/L6FMadzi73
— Football in the 90s (@90sfootball) July 18, 2022
Demiral’s first goal came in the first minute of the match against Austria, after he took advantage of a huge defensive confusion between the Austrian national team’s back line and the goalkeeper.
Goal!!!
Demiral scores in the first minute!#Euro2024 | #BeEuropean | #home_of_the_euro pic.twitter.com/cgj4Nk9TNN
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) July 2, 2024
Demiral scored the second goal in the 59th minute of the match, after he met a ball played from a corner kick with a perfect header that deceived the Austrian national team goalkeeper.
Goal!!
Demiral did it again!!!
2 goals in 47 caps heading into the game, and he’ll score 2 tonight!#Euro2024 | #BeEuropean | #home_of_the_euro pic.twitter.com/URx3cJZBVA
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) July 2, 2024
It is worth noting that today’s qualification to the quarter-finals is the first for Turkey since 2008, when they reached the semi-finals after a legendary journey.
Türkiye will play the Netherlands in the quarter-finals next Saturday at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin.
See also:
