At Euro 2024, Arda Guler made history by matching the Euro record set by Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney as Turkey defeated Austria in Leipzig. The match saw Merih Demiral score the quickest goal in the history of the European Championship knockout stages just 57 seconds into the game. This early goal gave Turkey a comfortable lead before the hour mark.
Despite Austria’s Michael Gregoritsch halving the deficit in the 66th minute, Turkey managed to hold on to their lead with an exceptional save from Mert Gunok in stoppage time. This secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the tournament. Arda Guler played a crucial role in Turkey’s victory by delivering two effective corners that led to both of his team’s goals.
Guler’s performance not only helped Turkey advance in the tournament but also saw him join an exclusive club of teenagers who have both scored and assisted in the same edition of a European Championship, along with Ronaldo and Rooney. Guler’s goal in Turkey’s previous match against Georgia marked this achievement, 20 years after Ronaldo and Rooney set their records at Euro 2004.
Turkey will now face off against Netherlands in Berlin for their quarter-final match, with the winner set to face either England or Switzerland in semi-finals. Guler’s impressive performance has put him under the spotlight as he continues to make his mark on Euro 2024, cementing his place as one of Europe’s most promising young footballers.