Euro 2024: Arda Guler Equals Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney’s Record

Arda Guler played a crucial role in both goals as Turkey defeated Austria 2-1, advancing to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Euro. 

The Real Madrid youngster assisted Merih Demiral for the second goal directly from a corner kick, securing a 2-0 lead for his team. Guler's performance matched a record held by legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney since Euro 2004.

Turkey overcame Austria 2-1 in the round of 16, setting up a quarter-final clash with the Netherlands. Centre-half Merih Demiral was the star with two goals, with Guler, playing as a false nine in Vincenzo Montella’s 3-4-3 system, orchestrating the plays.

Guler became the third teenager to score and assist in the same Euro tournament, joining the ranks of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.

Arda Guler is the third teenager to both score and assist in the same edition of the Euros after Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, who both did so at EURO 2004 ✨#BBCEuros #Euro2024 #AUTTUR pic.twitter.com/nmSXAUyd7J

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 2, 2024

 Ronaldo and Rooney achieved this feat at Euro 2004, making Guler's accomplishment even more remarkable as he was not yet born at the time. Guler scored one of the tournament's standout goals in Turkey's opening group game against Georgia.

Merih Demiral also set a record with his two goals. The first goal, scored in 57 seconds, became the fastest knockout goal in the competition's history. His second goal made him the first defender to score a brace since Jean-François Domergue for France against Portugal in 1984.

Merih Demiral only needed 57 seconds to give Turkey the lead

The fastest-ever goal in the Euros knockouts 😤 pic.twitter.com/jFG7vpm69w

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 2, 2024

Despite rumors of a spat with head coach Vincenzo Montella after being benched for the 3-0 loss to Portugal, Guler dismissed these claims, stating there were no issues between them.