In a thrilling Euro 2024 match between Austria and Turkey, goalkeeper Mert Gunok delivered a save that has left fans and pundits in awe. The save, reminiscent of Gordon Banks’ iconic denial of Pele in the 1970 World Cup, occurred in the pouring rain of Leipzig. Gunok’s acrobatic leap allowed him to claw away Christoph Baumgartner’s header, securing a 2-1 victory for Turkey.
The significance of Gunok’s save cannot be overstated. It came at the very end of the match, denying Austria a last-gasp equalizer that their manager, Ralf Rangnick, believed they deserved. Rangnick lamented his team’s lack of luck and acknowledged Gunok’s exceptional goalkeeping skills, humorously comparing him to the legendary Gordon Banks.
Pundits were quick to praise Gunok’s save, with former England defender Matthew Upson describing it as “unbelievable” and comparing it to Banks’ iconic save. Lee Dixon echoed this sentiment, calling it a “Gordon Banks replica,” while Chris Sutton labeled it as one of the great saves in Euro history.
What made Gunok’s save even more remarkable was the timing. It occurred in the 94th minute, mirroring the dramatic late goals witnessed throughout the tournament. With the exhausted Turkey defense struggling to hold on to their lead, Baumgartner’s header seemed destined for the back of the net until Gunok intervened. Sutton expressed his disbelief at Gunok’s save, while Upson marveled at Baumgartner’s precision and acknowledged Gunok’s exceptional reflexes on the greasy surface.
Gunok’s heroics did not go unnoticed by his teammates. Turkey defender Merih Demiral, who scored twice in the match, praised Gunok for his crucial save and acknowledged his role as a leader within the team. Demiral credited Gunok for guiding and inspiring the squad, emphasizing the importance of his save in securing the victory.
Turkey’s manager, Vincenzo Montella, recognized the significance of Gunok’s save for the team’s cause. While unwilling to rank it among the all-time great saves, Montella highlighted Gunok’s role as a goalkeeper and praised his match-winning save in the final minutes. Montella also expressed his gratitude towards Turkey’s passionate fans, acknowledging their unwavering support and the sense of pride they instill in the team.
The reward for Turkey’s triumph is a quarter-final clash against the Netherlands in Berlin. Montella believes that anything is possible with the passionate support of their fans, emphasizing the responsibility and love they feel from their devoted followers. He expressed his happiness in bringing pride to both Turks in Germany and across the world.
Fans and readers were quick to react to Gunok’s save, flooding social media with messages of astonishment and praise. Many compared it to Gordon Banks’ save against Pele, while others hailed it as one of the best saves they have ever seen. Some even suggested that Gunok’s save surpassed Banks’ iconic moment due to its importance in securing a victory.
In conclusion, Mert Gunok’s incredible save in the Euro 2024 match between Austria and Turkey has captivated fans and pundits alike. His acrobatic leap to deny Baumgartner’s header stands alongside iconic moments in football history, earning comparisons to Gordon Banks’ legendary save. Gunok’s heroics ensured Turkey’s victory and have left fans eagerly anticipating their quarter-final clash with the Netherlands.