Turkey Vs. Austria, Euro 2012 Qualifying: Gokhan Gonul Goal Seals The Deal

Turkey have been the superior side for the entirety of their Euro 2012 qualifying match against Austria, but their victory was in doubt for the majority of the match. They created plenty of opportunities and dominated possession, but it took until the 77th minute for them to put the game beyond doubt, thanks to a great strike by right back Gokhan Gonul. It’s uncommon enough to see fullbacks score, but the fashion in which Gonul scored his goal was particularly impressive.

Dropping back into the midfield, substitute Semih Senturk picked up the ball and played a great through ball to Gonul, who was making an overlapping run down the right flank. He cut inside onto his left foot and took a low left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area. Surprisingly, the shot was powerful and precise, beating Jurgen Macho at his near post. It was a rare near post goal that can hardly be attributed to a goalkeeping mistake; the finish was simply brilliant.