The Dutch come from behind to beat Turkey on their way to the Semi-Final #2326
The Netherlands 2 Turkey 1FT
The Netherlands 2 Turkey 1FT
35' Akaydin (Turkey)
70' De Vrij (The Netherlands)
76' Own Goal (forced by Cody Gakpo)
Olympiastadion,Berlin
On Sunday night we would be in Berlin for the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 and it would be the Netherlands against Turkey. One could argue. it is a bit of a surprise to see either Nation at this stage of the tournament. Turkey ended up in a group with Portugal, Georgia, and Czechia. They got through the group as runners-up. In the round of 16 they met up with Austria. Turkey took advantage of their opportunities while also relying on the incredible performances of their goalkeeper Günok as he kept them alive in the match, they probably shouldn't have been in. Turkey capitalized on two set pieces that saw them take a two-goal lead. Austria eventually battled back and then a huge opportunity came in the last possible moment that was before Günok made one of the biggest saves in the history of Turkish football. Austria was the better team that night and honestly probably should have won. However, the goalkeeping display is the only reason Turkey is still standing. meanwhile, the Netherlands ended up in a group with France, Austria, and Poland. they were very disappointing in the group stage as they had to settle for finishing third in their group. in the round of 16, they met Romania who were playing their first knockout stage match at a major tournament in 25 years. the Netherlands escort in the first 20 minutes However, it was very close the entire match. A bad refereeing decision they greatly benefited from as Romania's counterattack was killed in its tracks a moment in which the Romanians probably could have scored. Nevertheless, in the last 10 minutes, they scored twice to punch their ticket. However, the Netherlands haven't been overly impressive thus far at these Euros however, they have the quality in their team to push themselves into the final considering they are on the weaker side of the bracket. Neither team was expected to be here but here they are here in Berlin with a massive quarterfinal between the Netherlands and Turkey.
The Netherlands, although they have gotten to a quarterfinal, they have underwhelmed their expectations in terms of performance. however, they were ready to put that to the side as they started off a very aggressively. In the opening minute, Memphis Depay drives into the center of the box for lifting. it's a bit too much on the finish fly over the goal but comes very close to capitalizing. They would only be warming up. In the 7th minute, Denzel Dumfries looks for Memphis again. He gets on the end of it but is blocked. Eventually, Turkey would get settled and they drive a strike from a distance from Salih Özcan. They were slowly getting into it but in the early portion of it, it seemed to be all Dutch. In the 12th minute, Young Star Xavi Simons goes for it for distance. he comes very close as he tests Günok but doesn't happen for him at the beginning Hakan Çalhanoglu drives an effort from outside the box As it collides against the Dutch defense. As it collides against the Dutch defense. In the 32nd minute, Real Madrid Scarlet Arda Güler unloads, a very deep effort. he can't quite connect on it, however, we've seen him hit from this distance at this tournament. It seems as if Turkey picking up a little bit of confidence. In the 35th minute off a corner delivered from Arda Güler meets the head of Samet Akaydin running at the back post put it in a tight window as turkey. take a 1-0 lead. considering how the Dutch started off shows great composure and poise in the way Turkey managed to Battle and take the lead. They would take the lead into the second half as the first half closes out with the Turks pushing. the possibilities forward 45 minutes away from a semi-final at the European Champions.
The Dutch looked like the better side for much of that first half. However, Turkey ended up building a bit of confidence and put the Dutch in a state of vulnerability and capitalization. It's been a little back and forth at least through that first 45 minutes. In the second half. it still could go any direction. in the 56th minute turkey, nearly doubled the advantage off a free kick Arda Güler Hits a sensational strike that bangs into the crossbar. Turkey. certainly looked to be banging on the door again. however, can they finish the job and get to the semi-final. The Dutch were going to find themselves sooner rather than later. A minute later Memphis Depay goes for distance But cannot capitalize on the moment. In the 65th minute, Kenan Yildiz returns fire as it is saved. Bart Verbruggen. In the 70th minute Memphis delivers a through ball for Hoffenheim's Wout Weghorst He drags an effort that is saved to the right. however, he did win a corner. Memphis Depay drives in the corner Stefan de Vrij gets himself on the end of it as he beats Günok sending it into the back of the net to get the equalizer for the Netherlands. The Dutch operate quickly soon afterward. In the 76th minute, they pull off an incredible turnaround. Cody Gakpo attempted strike doesn't do much Denzel Dumfires retains possession as he facilitates a ball back into Cody Gakpo In a one-on-one on the left side of the box, He unloads the strike right into Mert Müldür As it deflects off into the back of the net as he forces the own goal, the Netherlands take a 2-1 lead with less than 15 minutes remaining. In the 83rd minute, Cenk Tosun gets his head on the end of a cross as Turkey looking to force it. He goes for it again. A few moments later the result remains the Same as she can't put it in the back of the net. In the closing stages in the 90th minute, Turkey won't give up until too late. chances to try to force the issue. In the 90th minute, Kerem Aktürkoglu gets his head on the end of the ball put into the box off the set piece. he can't get it there. Semih Kiliçsoy then makes a run in the box the ball comes across dropping inside. The Turkish attacker gets his foot on the end of it as he strikes it directly to the left corner. Bart Verbruggen comes up with a save. Hakan Çalhanoglu then fires from a distance as it gets blocked. Turkey. did everything humanly possible to draw it level and force it into extra time however, it doesn't happen for them as the full-time whistle goes. The Netherlands takes a 2-1 victory into the semi-final after coming from behind with a late surge in the second half.
The Netherlands gets the job done in Berlin . however, nothing but admiration and respect for the job Turkey has done at this tournament. They were a whisker away from making the semi-final. Vincenzo Montella has done a brilliant job with the Turkish national team as we see it on full display. they take the lead and they hold it as long as they can. a slight collapse in the second half cannot be overturned despite a tremendous effort from the Turks.Truly a tournament that they will never forget. However, the Netherlands pulled off the comeback scoring twice within minutes of each other to take the lead and they managed to hold it despite Turkey fighting for a final goal. The Netherlands have not looked all that impressive at this tournament. This evening. they get the job done but it's not as if they swam through Turkey the way they were supposed to. The Netherlands started extremely well but as the match went on it started to fade little by little. They did find their moments but they nearly faced elimination. They showed the right mentality and courage to go and win it. however, it's not as if they have separated themselves from the pack. They will play England in the semifinal. It could be very interesting because neither of the sides has looked like themselves or what they're capable of at this tournament. however, in both cases, they found ways to win matches despite how they played. Numbers on the board. it's unclear who would be the favorite to go and win the semifinal and make the final in Berlin. It's hard to judge at this point because the Netherlands and England are very similar. England are more talented squad so I probably slightly sway towards England just because neither of them has impressive coaches. Turkey go down but they go down with a lot of respect given Güler has led the tournament and assists despite only playing 10 matches for Real Madrid. he scored on seven occasions. he showed his quality here this evening and Turkey has one for the future. However, it ran out of gas in Berlin as the Netherlands returned to the semifinal for the first time in a decade as England and Netherlands will battle it out with a spot for that final in Berlin Cody Gakpo Stars has the Netherlands punch their ticket into the semi-finals.
