Dutch players celebrate their victory after the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-final match between the Netherlands and Turkey at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on July 6, 2024. (Photo: AFP)
BERLIN, Germany (AFP) — The Netherlands came from behind with two goals in seven second-half minutes to beat Turkey 2-1 on Saturday and set up a place in the Euro 2024 semi-finals against England.
Samet Akaidin put Turkey ahead in the first half but Stefan de Vrij headed the score back to level for the Netherlands and then Mart Mardur scored an own goal after 76 minutes under pressure from Kodi Gakpo to give the Netherlands the win.
The build-up to the quarter-final clash in Berlin has been overshadowed by a diplomatic spat between Turkey and Germany after Turkey’s Merih Demiral, the last-16 hero, was suspended for two matches for making a controversial salute.
As a result, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was present to watch the match at the Olympiastadion, along with tens of thousands of fans who greeted the Netherlands with whistles every time they maintained possession.
The Netherlands overcame pressure from the stands, Turkey’s energetic style and a series of late chances to reach the Euros semi-finals for the first time since 2004.
Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella deployed five at the back in the hope that his young team could catch the Netherlands on the counter-attack.
The 1988 Euro champions had the first chance, when a link-up between Gakupo and Memphis Depay put the ball inside the goal before Depay could even take his shot.
Koeman captained the Netherlands to victory 36 years ago but the team never looked capable of winning the title until a thumping 3-0 win over Romania in the round of 16, finishing third in their group.
Despite making an early push in the first half, they reverted to their weaker form and allowed Turkey to take a firm lead in the match.
Montella’s side began to press the Netherlands with a series of set pieces and finally scored in the 35th minute when Arda Güler reused a corner kick that was only half-cleared.
The 19-year-old Real Madrid playmaker swirled a seductive cross with his weaker right foot and Akaydin, returning from suspension in place of the suspended Demiral, headed powerfully into the far post.
Turkish fans, many of whom live in Germany, naturally filled three-quarters of the stadium, cheering and lighting flares in celebration.
– Game Changer, Weghorst –
Koeman had to change his tactic at half-time, bringing on Wout Weghorst, who had been the team’s saviour in the opening game against Poland, for Steven Bergwijn.
The burly Burnley striker made a quick impact and gave Holland an attacking target up front, which they went for regularly.
Güler continued to probe at the other end and tried to make a run but was taken down by Nathan Ake.
The youngster took the resulting free-kick himself and fired a low shot at Bert Verbruggen’s post as the goalkeeper panicked.
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk was booked for a foul on Baris-Alper Yilmaz, who was speeding down the right wing.
Turkey, reaching the quarter-finals of a major tournament for the first time since 2008, came close to scoring a second goal but Verbruggen did well to keep out Kenan Yildiz’s scathing low shot from the edge of the penalty area.
With 20 minutes to go, Weghorst forced a smart save from Mert Gunok, but the Turkish goalkeeper was eventually beaten by De Vrij after 70 minutes.
Memphis Depay crossed from a short corner and Inter Milan defender De Vrij headed the ball into the net to tie the score.
Just six minutes later, the Netherlands took the lead when Denzel Dumfries fired a dangerous low cross into the goal for Mulder, under heavy pressure from Euros joint-top scorer Gakpo, to slot home the ball – the tournament’s 10th own goal.
Weghorst was not directly involved in either goal, but his presence in the penalty area disrupted a Turkish defence that largely kept the Netherlands at bay in the first half.
Turkey should have equalised but shots from Zeki Celik and Kerem Aktırkoglu were blocked, setting up a new date for the Netherlands to face England in Dortmund on Wednesday.
