Merih Demiral might not have felt like he was playing in a European Championship in a foreign country, with over three million Turkish-rooted people living in Germany, the Euro 2024 host nation.

The 26-year-old defender enjoyed the celebrations in the Leipzig Arena after Turkey's 2-1 win over Austria in the last 16, seeing his team progress to the quarterfinal stage of a major tournament for the first time since 2008.

1.92-meter-tall Demiral not only became the first defender to score two goals in a knockout game of a major tournament held in Europe since Lilian Thuram did so for France at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, but became the first Turkey player to score twice in a game at a major international tournament.

Kaan Ayhan (front R) of Türkiye tackles Christoph Baumgartner of Austria during the UEFA Euro 2024 round of 16 match between Türkiye and Austria in Leipzig, Germany on July 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)

The Al-Ahli and former Atalanta and Juventus player had only previously scored two goals in 47 games for Turkey. However, against Austria, a team many had tipped as one of the tournament's dark horses, he added two more.

The first came following a corner from Real Madrid youngster Arda Guler after just 57 seconds.

In one of the most intense Euro 2024 encounters, the defender left his heart on the pitch, just like his teammates. "We are the lucky winner, as we had to withstand Austria's enormous quality and intensity," Gelsenkirchen-born Galatasaray defender Kaan Ayhan said.

"Call it a dirty win with all the passion we had to give," he added, after Austria had 21 shots compared to six for Turkey, and keeper Mert Gunok's incredible save in extra time.

Meeting the Netherlands this Saturday in Berlin, a German city with over 200,000 Turkish-rooted inhabitants, opens doors for bold dreams.

At Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland, Turkey made their way to the semifinals, representing the country's best ever result at a European Championship.

"Dreams are allowed, but for now we enjoy something spectacular before we turn our heads to a powerful team like the Netherlands," said Hamit Altintop, Turkish Football Federation (TFF) board member responsible for national teams, who was also born in Gelsenkirchen.

His country has reached its goal by making it into the knockout stage, and anything from here on is a bonus, he added.

Demiral, the hero of the Austria match, said his country's journey isn't over yet. "We can achieve more, as this victory is an unprecedented motivation booster," the defender stated.

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