Euro 2024

IT was the greatest international save since Gordon Banks denied Pele 54 YEARS ago.Gravity-defying brilliance by Mert Gunok to ensure Leipzig remained a suburb of Istanbul — with Austria boss Ralf Rangnick admitting: “It’s difficult when they have Gordon Banks in goal. It was a remarkable save.”Mert Gunok’s stunning save denied Austria the chance to take the game to extra timeCredit: RexEngland legend Gordon Banks’ infamous save to stop Pele’s effort 54 years ago is considered to be one of the greatest everCredit: Allsport – GettyMerih Demiral scored twice to see Turkey through to the quarter-finalsCredit: GettyThe Turkish star scored the fastest-ever goal in a last-16 clash at the EurosCredit: GettyDemiral second goal sealed the deal for TurkeyCredit: GettyThere were just seconds left, with Turkey hanging on for grim death. Austria floated the ball to the far post and it was met with power and downward precision by Christoph Baumgartner. Every single person in the Red Bull Arena was waiting for the net to ripple. Yet somehow, some way, as the ball bounced almost past him, 35-year-old Besiktas keeper Gunok flung out a huge hand to turn it behind — just like Banks at the 1970 World Cup.On a night which looked set to be all about 19-year-old sensation Arda Guler — who had a hand in both goals for Merih Demiral — the name on the world’s lips ended up being Gunok.READ MORE IN EURO 2024Al-Ahli defender Demiral, 26 said: “Mert made a truly magnificent save, the best I have ever seen. After he put it behind me, I went up to Mert and asked him, ‘How did you save that?’“We are so proud to be here for our country. The fans created an incredible atmosphere for us and we responded.“We experienced incredible moments thanks to our supporters.“I may have been named man of the match but this one is for the team, for every one of us.“I am very happy and very proud. We have done something special.”Most read in Euro 2024Demiral’s double ensured Turkey will now face Holland in Berlin on Saturday night, as Gunok’s inconceivable athleticism ensured Michael Gregoritsch’s close-range finish was only a consolation.Shocking moment ex-Man Utd ace Sabitzer falls to ground after he is struck in face by object in Austria’s loss to TurkeyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTurkey coach Vincenzo Montella said: “It was a spectacular save and I’m happy for him, the team and the country, the group we have created here and what we produced on the pitch.“Well done to Mert. That’s his job and we’re very happy he made a match-winning save in the final seconds.”Hero Gunok added: “We still have a long way to go. If it’s God’s will we will go to the very end. We believe this.“This win took us to the next level in terms of morale and confidence.“I thank everyone who supported us, I thank our fans, people and citizens who continued to support us and prayed for us.”While this was an evening in which Guler showed Jude Bellingham is not the only Real Madrid kid who we should be discussing, Gunok, even more than Demiral, was the real hero.Gunok’s save was the fitting climax to a match that thrilled from the start.In an atmosphere transferred from the Bosphorus, Turkey went in front after just 57 SECONDS.Guler’s inswinging corner caused chaos, with Baumgartner smacking a clearance against team-mate Stefan Posch.Keeper Patrick Pentz clawed the rebound off the line but Demiral thrashed into the roof of the net before running to the corner to leap up, then sinking to his knees in a mixture of delirium and disbelief.Austria, though, were twice so close to a rapid leveller.First Baumgartner was a fraction wide of the far upright from 20 yards as he shot back across goal.Then more defensive befuddlement as Romano Schmid’s corner rolled along the goal line, eluding everybody, with Demiral somehow preventing Baumgartner from making amends.It was frantic and fabulous fun with Austria controlling possession but always susceptible as the Turks broke in numbers.Rangnick needed more from Marko Arnautovic, and his two interval changes saw Gregoritsch join the ex-Stoke and West Ham striker up top.Suddenly, it was ALL Austria.Gregoritsch had two close efforts within a couple of minutes before Arnautovic failed to squeeze the ball in.Austria were now pouring forward, Konrad Laimer scuffing past the post.But it was Turkey who struck just before the hour mark — Demiral rising once again, his touch only ever ending in the back of the Austrian net.Austria looked dead and buried but when Marcel Sabitzer’s corner was flicked on by Posch for Gregoritsch to side-foot home they had life.Turkey, stretched to near breaking point and dropping to the edge of their box, held on, Gunok breaking Austrian hearts with seconds left as he denied Baumgartner’s header with a truly stunning stop.Ex-Manchester United boss Rangnick added: “I can’t believe we’re going home. We thought we would be getting ready for the next game.“If the Baumgartner header had gone in we would have won this game.“We didn’t have the luck we needed. I believe if the game had gone into extra time we would have won because they were exhausted and we had a physical advantage.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But we should be proud. All our games were super intense because of the way we played.“I’ve seen other games where it was difficult to stay awake and that was not the case with our matches.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYAustria’s Michael Gregoritsch kept the game alive with a goal in the 66th minuteCredit: GettyGregoritsch’s strike was not enough to see Austria through to the quarter-finalsCredit: Reuters More

SHOCKING footage has emerged of a football fan being brutally punched and kicked by Euro 2024 stewards. The footage was taken from Portugal’s last 16 match against Slovenia in Frankfurt on Monday night. Shock footage shows a football fan being brutally punched and kicked by Euro 2024 stewardsThe footage was taken from Portugal’s last 16 match against Slovenia in FrankfurtIt is believed to have been when Portugal were awarded a late penaltyCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskThe fan is pummelled with blows by a group of security even while he is on the floorAnd it is believed to have been when Portugal were awarded a late penalty – which Cristiano Ronaldo went on to miss. The horror clip shows one fan being detained on the floor by a security guard. But meanwhile another is being pummelled with blows by a group of security – even while he is on the floor. Ronaldo was left in floods of tears after his spot-kick was saved by Slovenia stopper Jan Oblak. READ MORE ON EURO 2024But he got redemption in the subsequent penalty shootout when he scored past Oblak to send Portugal on their way.Ronaldo’s team-mate Diogo Costa was his shootout saviour as he stopped a European Championship record three penalties to send Portugal through. The Manchester United legend – who lifted the trophy in 2016 – is playing his last Euros this year. And after progressing into the quarter-finals, he said: “Even the strongest people have their [bad] days. Most read in Euro 2024“I was at rock bottom when the team needed me most. I was sad at first but now I’m happy. That’s what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments.”Ronaldo, 39, added: “When I think of my family, I feel emotional because they are unique moments that I cannot express in words.Why Cristiano Ronaldo cried at Euro 2024″They are people I love, the fans who are always with us and especially with me, and I am very happy about that.“I hadn’t missed a penalty kick all year. I missed it, but the most important thing is that the team won. “I lost twice on penalties this season and won the third time. We deserved to qualify.“I will always give my best for this shirt, whether I fail or not, but you have to take responsibility when the team has to. “I have never been afraid to face things head on. Sometimes I do things right, sometimes I don’t, but giving up is something you will never hear from me.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

JUDE BELLINGHAM posed for selfies with fans as he relaxed ahead of England’s clash with Switzerland.The Three Lions squad were given the day off on Tuesday before their Euro 2024 quarter-final on Saturday.Jude Bellingham posed for selfies with fans at an Italian restaurant in Erfurt on TuesdayCredit: Paul EdwardsThe England star relaxed ahead of their quarter-final against Switzerland on SaturdayCredit: Paul EdwardsBellingham signed autographs and posed for pictures with supportersCredit: PAUL EDWARDS
Bellingham, whose incredible last-gasp overhead kick saved England from an embarrassing last-16 exit on Sunday, was spotted at an Italian restaurant in Erfurt with his mum Denise as he made the most of his downtime.The city is located around 20 miles from England’s training base in Blankenhain.Supporters posed for selfies with the midfielder after he was spotted at the restaurant.Bellingham also signed autographs before police later helped him to a car.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Fans could be seen desperately trying to get pictures with the Real Madrid hero in footage of Bellingham leaving the restaurant.The 21-year-old appeared relaxed as he took a break from preparations to face Switzerland.His time off comes amid a Uefa investigation into a gesture Bellingham made after scoring against Slovakia.He was accused of disrespecting the opposition bench but later defended his actions on social media.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBellingham wrote on X: “An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game.”Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”The Sun’s Martin Lipton on Jude Bellingham’s potential ban as UEFA investigate gesture vs SlovakiaThe midfielder relaxed with his mum Denise around 20 miles from England’s training baseCredit: Paul EdwardsBellingham made use of a rest day, with the whole squad given time off to spend with their familiesCredit: Paul EdwardsPolice later helped Bellingham to a car as fans desperately tried to get pictures with himCredit: Paul EdwardsHe also included a yawning, ‘X’ and handshake emoji alongside the post.Footage has since emerged of Bellingham performing the gesture whilst celebrating for Real Madrid last season, supporting his claim.His stoppage time equaliser against Slovakia rescued England before Harry Kane grabbed the winner in extra-time.The former Borussia Dortmund man was also named man of the match.He also received the award after scoring in the Three Lions’ opening victory over Serbia.Meanwhile, Sun columnist Piers Morgan has luanched his defence of Bellingham – and explained what might be behind the gesture.A large crowd gathered after Bellingham was spotted at the restaurantCredit: Paul EdwardsOne fan even recreated Bellingham’s trademark celebrationCredit: Paul EdwardsBellingham is being investigated for this gesture against SlovakiaCredit: APThe England man celebrated with captain Harry Kane as they guided the Three Lions to the quarter finalsCredit: GettyEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

CRISTIANO RONALDO’S incredible mentality was summed up by a heart rate monitor which kept track of him during the rollercoaster Slovenia clash.The thrilling last-16 clash saw the Portugal legend in tears after he missed a crucial penalty during extra time against the Slovenians.Cristiano Ronaldo has been praised for his incredible mentalityCredit: GettyThe Portuguese legend’s heart rate was the lowest before scoring the first penalty in the shoot-out against SloveniaCredit: APRonaldo was in tears after missing a penalty in extra timeCredit: AFPWhen you’re @Cristiano, there’s no fear in football. See how CR7 entered a flow state and dropped his heart rate moments before changing momentum of the match against Slovenia. See you in the quarterfinals, Portugal! pic.twitter.com/E9kLLTdFjt— WHOOP (@WHOOP) July 2, 2024

Ronaldo eventually made amends by scoring in the shoot-out and apologised to fans as Portugal won to book their spot in the quarter-finals versus France on Friday.But what impressed supporters more was seeing how the Manchester United legend’s heart rate was at its lowest level when he took Portugal’s first penalty in the shootout.TNT Sports revealed the 39-year-old’s “heart rate was monitored in yesterday’s game,” and “the lowest level was reached when he took Portugal’s first penalty in the shoot-out.”After his frustration and tears of still not being able to find the back of the net during a game at the Euros, fans have applauded him for his mentality in the shoot-out.READ MORE ON EURO 2024One said: “Shows why he’s one of the best!!”While another simply added: “Legend.”A third then put: “That’s why he’s the best in pressure situations.”Meanwhile, some pundits blasted the Al-Nassr star when for crying after Jon Obak saved his penalty in extra-time, which saw the distraught icon being consoled by team-mate Diogo Dalot.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFormer Germany international Didi Hamann labelled his outburst as “embarrassing.”While Micah Richards supported the star and said it “shows his passion for the game”.Why Cristiano Ronaldo cried at Euro 2024Ronaldo defended his emotional outburst and claimed his alleged selfishness was due to “enthusiasm”.He said: “It is without a doubt my last European Championship. But I don’t get emotional about that, I get emotional about everything that football involves.”Because of the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm of seeing my supporters, my family, the affection that people have for me.”Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak’s save left Ronaldo distraughtCredit: APRonaldo made amends after he scored in the shootout that saw Portugal head into the quarter-finalsCredit: Reuters More

ROMANIA goalkeeper Florin Nita was forced to kick away a pitch invader’s shoe before conceding against Holland.Donyell Malen grabbed a third goal for the Dutch in stoppage-time as they book their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.A shoe was spotted on the pitch as Donyell Malen put Holland 3-0 in frontCredit: EPARomania goalkeeper Florin Nita kicked another shoe away before Malen’s strikeCredit: BBCThe match had been disrupted moments earlier after fan ran onto the pitch.Following the incident, a pair of shoes could be seen inside the Romanian penalty area.With Malen baring down on goal, Nita kicked one of the shoes away before shaping up to save the forward’s strike.However, despite adjusting his position, he was powerless to prevent Malen from grabbing his second goal of the match.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The Borussia Dortmund forward raced clear before finding the back of the net with a low strike.TV cameras picked up Nita’s kick away, with BBC commentator Steve Wilson exclaiming: “Not helped by the trainers of the pitch invader.”After the match, Gary Lineker also touched on the incident during the post-match analysis.The former England striker said: “I love how the goalkeeper kicks one of the trainers away before before he tries to make the save.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAshley Williams added: “If only he had kicked the ball away that well.”Cody Gakpo had opened the scoring in Munich with his third goal of the tournament in the 20th minute.Netherlands fans take over Munich with crazy pre-match scenes ahead of last 16 clash with RomaniaThe trainers were visible inside the penalty area after Malen found the back of the netCredit: ReutersA pitch invader had stormed the pitch moments earlier, leaving their shoes behindCredit: GettyMalen’s late brace then put the game beyond Romania as Holland reached their first Euros quarter-final since 2008.Ronald Koeman’s side will face with Austria or Turkey in the last eight in Berlin on Saturday.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More