The Netherlands scored two second-half goals in seven minutes to come from behind and defeat Turkey 2-1 on Saturday, setting up a Euro 2024 semi-final clash with England.
Turkey took the lead in the first half through Samet Akaydin. However, Stefan de Vrij equalized for the Netherlands with a header, and Mert Müldür inadvertently turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Cody Gakpo after 76 minutes, sealing the Dutch victory.
The quarter-final in Berlin was overshadowed by a diplomatic dispute between Turkey and Germany following the two-match suspension of Turkey’s last-16 hero Merih Demiral for a controversial salute. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended the match at the Olympiastadion, joined by tens of thousands of fans who greeted each Dutch possession with a barrage of whistles.
Despite the intense atmosphere and Turkey’s energetic play, the Netherlands managed to withstand the pressure and a series of late Turkish chances, reaching the Euros semi-finals for the first time since 2004.
Turkey's coach Vincenzo Montella set up a defensive formation with five at the back, hoping his young side could catch the Netherlands on the counter-attack. The 1988 Euros champions had the first significant opportunity, with Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay combining well before Depay shot over the bar.
Ronald Koeman, who captained the Netherlands to glory 36 years ago, had seen his team struggle to show championship potential until their convincing 3-0 win over Romania in the last 16. However, they reverted to a more vulnerable form in the first half, allowing Turkey to gain control.
Turkey began to press the Netherlands with a series of set pieces and eventually capitalized in the 35th minute. Arda Güler, a 19-year-old Real Madrid playmaker, sent in a tempting cross with his weaker right foot after a corner was only half-cleared. Akaydin, returning from suspension to replace the banned Demiral, headed the ball powerfully into the net at the far post.
The predominantly Turkish crowd, given the large Turkish diaspora in Germany, erupted in celebration, lighting flares and cheering loudly.
Weghorst the Game-Changer
Koeman made a crucial adjustment at halftime, bringing on Wout Weghorst, who had been the team's savior against Poland in their opening fixture, to replace Steven Bergwijn.
The burly Burnley striker quickly made his presence felt, providing the Netherlands with a focal point up front that they utilized frequently.
At the other end, Arda Güler continued to threaten and was brought down by Nathan Ake as he looked poised to break free. Güler took the resulting free-kick himself and struck a low shot against Bart Verbruggen’s post, with the goalkeeper scrambling.
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk was booked for fouling the speedy Baris Alper Yilmaz as he surged down the right wing. Turkey, appearing in their first major tournament quarter-final since 2008, nearly scored a second, but Verbruggen made a fine save from Kenan Yildiz’s powerful low shot from the edge of the box.
With 20 minutes remaining, Weghorst forced a smart save from Mert Gunok, but the Turkish goalkeeper was eventually beaten by Stefan de Vrij after 70 minutes. Memphis Depay delivered a cross following a short corner, and Inter Milan defender De Vrij connected with a towering header to equalize.
Just six minutes later, the Netherlands took the lead when Denzel Dumfries sent in a dangerous low cross that Mert Müldür, under heavy pressure from Euro 2024 joint-top scorer Cody Gakpo, bundled into his own net. It was the 10th own goal of the tournament.
Although Weghorst was not directly involved in either goal, his presence in the box unsettled a Turkish defense that had largely contained the Netherlands in the first half.
Turkey had opportunities to equalize, but Zeki Çelik and Kerem Aktürkoğlu saw their efforts blocked, allowing the Netherlands to hold on for the victory. They now face England on Wednesday in Dortmund.
AFP
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