In the last few seconds of Monday’s last-16 match between Turkey and Austria, Mert Gunok made one of the best saves in the history of the European Championship.

After an exciting game in Leipzig, Turkey made it to the quarterfinals of Euro 2024.

The best possible start for Vincenzo Montella’s team came when centre back Merih Demiral scored with 57 seconds left in the game. It was the second-fastest goal in the history of the European Championship.

Demiral, who was a big threat from the air throughout the knockout stage match, then scored another close-range goal in the 59th minute to make it 2-0 to Turkey.

It’s credit to Austria that they didn’t give up. They put pressure on the forward areas and Michael Gregoritsch scored after great action at the back post.

When they were attacking, Ralf Rangnick’s team looked scary. Before the end of the game, Christoph Baumgartner almost tied the score when he hit a cross that was just inside the post.

But the beautiful Mert Gunok had something else in mind. How about this for a save?

It is said that Austria’s header in the last minute was worth 0.94 xGOT, which stands for “expected goals on target.” In general, a custodian should only be expected to stop the shot 6% of the time.

What Gunok’s friends said about his save on social media.

“Gordon Banks’s save off Pele’s header in the 1970 World Cup was the best save I ever read about or saw as a kid,” one person said. Gunok’s save from Baumgartner’s shot is just as good. It should go down in the history of goalkeeping.

“That is one of the best saves ever,” wrote someone else. “That is absolutely ridiculous from Mert Gunok, sir,” said one person, who added, “That is one of the best saves I’ve ever seen.”

For the fourth, it was true: “This is one of the best saves I’ve ever seen.” Back across goal, hitting a wet surface and making a huge sound. Amazing work from Gunok.”

A fifth said, “When I was a kid, I saw video that said this save by Peter Schmeichel against Rapid Vienna was one of the best ever, the next best after Banks’s against Brazil.” I think Mert Gunok from Turkey beats both of them!”