The Round of 16 in EURO 2024 concluded on Tuesday with two teams securing spots in the quarter-finals. The Netherlands beat Romania 3-0, while Turkey advanced to the last eight triumphing 2-1 over Austria.
Turkey midfielder Arda Guler achieved a notable feat in the clash against Austria at Red Bull Arena Leipzig. The 19-year-old became only the third teenager to achieve both a goal and an assist in the same Euro tournament. This achievement has previously been accomplished by Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, at Euro 2004.
Turkey’s center-back Merih Demiral was the hero of the match, who scripted history with a goal just 57 seconds into the match. He capitalized on a corner by Guler that Austria failed, marking the earliest goal in Euro knockout round history. Around the hour mark, the Duler and Demiral combined again with the latter powerfully headed another one amid Austria’s increasing pressure.
Seven minutes later Austria managed a consolation goal through Michael Gregoritsch. Austria then intensified their push for an equalizer, but Turkey goalkeeper Mert Gunok helped his side win with a crucial save deep into stoppage time. Notably, this save ranks as the most improbable in stoppage time during a major event.
Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo sets record as youngest player to score and assist in EURO knockout match, joins Bergkamp, Van Persie
Cody Gakpo became the youngest Netherlands’ player to score and assist in a knockout match of a major tournament since Marco van Basten achieved the feat in the Euro 1988 final. The 25-year-old reached this milestone during the Round of 16 clash against Romania. He also joins the elite group of Dutch players, including Dennis Bergkamp, Robin van Persie, and Memphis Depay, who have scored more than three goals in both FIFA World Cup and Euros.
Meanwhile, Bart Verbruggen, 21, also made a new record, becoming the youngest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet in a knockout stage of EURO history. In addition, Netherlands’ Xavi Simons set a record as the first player to provide 3-plus assists at EURO 2024 and only the second player to provide 2-plus assists in a single game.
Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo confirms he is playing his ‘last European Championship’
