Austria and Turkey have been involved in some of the most entertaining games of the tournament so far, and such it provided an enticing end to the Round of 16 that has seen some games flatter to deceive.
The drama started almost immediately after Turkey took the lead inside a minute, thanks to Merih Demiral pouncing on Austrian players flapping on the line and smashing it home.
On the hour mark, the centre half got his second, this time with a more conventional header from a set piece, giving Turkey a two-goal cushion to protect for half an hour.
Just seven minutes later, Michael Gregoritsch pulled one back for the Austrians, but after piling on the pressure for the closing stages of the game, Turkey held on to progress.
Group Stage form means nothing if you can’t back it up in the knockout stages
Austria were regarded widely as one of the pound-for-pound best performers from the Group Stage, after topping a Group D that consisted of both France and the Netherlands.
An unfortunate own goal saw them fall to an opening game defeat to France, but Ralf Rangnick’s side bounced back with a 3-1 win over Poland in Berlin, before showing immense character after being pegged back twice to beat the Netherlands 3-2 in the same city.
The former Manchester United manager Rangnick had received praise for how he set his team up and his high-intensity pressing philosophy, as well as his team's clear attacking prowess.
Whilst this remained the same for the Turkey game, the Austrians were unsettled by their opponents' willingness to match them, and ultimately poor defending from set pieces and missed opportunities cost them.
Turkey’s defensive heart is going to be pivotal for them in the Quarters and beyond
In Vincenzo Montella’s side’s very first game of the tournament, they had to defend valiantly against a late onslaught from Georgia, before taking advantage of the net vacated by the Georgian keeper to make it 3-1 in the dying seconds.
Likewise, despite having a man advantage, Turkey also had to defend for their lives at times in their final group game against Czechia, in which Cenk Tosun scored the late winner.
Then, having had their lead sliced in half just minutes after doubling it, the Turkish players found themselves rallying together once more in the pouring rain to do everything they could to repel the relentless Austrian attack.
To a man, Turkey gave absolutely everything and threw their bodies on the line on numerous occasions to protect their lead, and roared on by the incredible support behind them, they were able to see out a fantastic victory.
After every header and tackle there was a roar from the fans that was only reciprocated by the players on the pitch, celebrating every individual battle they won to reach their end goal.
This paired with an outstanding last-minute save from goalkeeper Mert Gunok, which capped off what was a heroic defensive display.
If they are to conquer Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands, they will have to harness this defensive unity, grit, and solidity in abundance.
Playing someone as consistently inconsistent as Marko Arnautovic from the start may have been a mistake
Arnautovic is undoubtedly a polarising figure in the world of football who’s had his share of relative highs and lows in football.
In fact, he experienced the best moment of his career this season just gone, picking up a Serie A winners medal with Inter Milan after a return to the club following two seasons with Bologna.
Whilst his return of five goals and three assists may seem relatively underwhelming, many of his 27 appearances came off the bench.
That being said, at 35 years of age, given the high-intensity manner in which Rangnick likes to play, you would be forgiven for thinking Arnautovic may not be the best fit for that system.
After coming off the bench for the opening game against France, the former Stoke City player started the remaining two group games against Poland and the Netherlands, scoring a penalty in the Poland game.
Whilst his performances were by no means bad in these games, one can’t help but feel as though a drop-off was inevitable heading into the knockout stages, where the intensity is cranked up another notch or two.
It is completely understandable why Rangnick was wary of changing too much after two wins in his previous two games with Arnautovic starting, and hindsight is a wonderful thing, but after he struggled to get into the game whilst being shepherded by the Turkish back line, perhaps a change might have been prudent for this clash.
Gregoritsch was introduced at halftime and scored playing from the wing, but for a team that was chasing almost the whole game, perhaps a player more capable of pressing from the front would have been a better suited choice to come in for Arnautovic up front.
Arda Guler has the fate of Turkey’s hopes in his hands
Young starlets have been a recurring theme of the Euros so far, with the 16-year-old Lamine Yamal wowing everyone for Spain and Jude Bellingham bailing England out with his brilliance.
Arda Guler has certainly earned his place amongst those names as one of the hottest young guns at the tournament, scoring a sensational goal in the opening group game against Georgia.
The young Real Madrid player is the focal point of everything good about this Turkey side and played an instrumental role in their two goals with his tantalising deliveries on the corners causing havoc in the Austria penalty area.
It can be easy to put too much pressure on these youngsters, particularly with the weight of a nation on their shoulders, but Area Guler seems to be taking it all in his stride and has already won the adoration of the Turkish supporters.
With Carlo Ancelotti also filling him with praise, it seems Guler will be at the forefront of this Turkish team for a long time yet.
