After defeating Turkey 2-1 and advancing to Wednesday’s Euro 2024 semi-final against England, the Netherlands scored twice in the second half of the match.
After trailing at the half in just one of their previous ten European Championship games, Netherlands overcame their deficit thanks in part to the entrance of striker Wout Weghorst, who spurred them on.
After controlling the first half, Turkey capitalised in the 35th minute when center-back Samet Akaydin headed home from inside the six-yard box after a superb cross from the right by teenager Arda Guler.
After Steven Bergwijn replaced him at halftime, Weghorst gave the Netherlands’ offence greater presence against the three centre backs from Turkey, immediately resulting in a chance for Memphis Depay.
But even with increased pressure in the second half, Turkey managed to force the blind Bart Verbruggen to parry a drive from Kenan Yildiz and saw Guler’s long-range free kick strike the outside of the left post.
However, after Weghorst’s volley was turned behind for a corner, Turkey switched off, and in the 70th minute, Stefan de Vrij, who was unmarked, headed in Depay’s cross. Moments later, though, Netherlands took the lead when Mert Muldur, under pressure from Cody Gakpo, unintentionally turned Denzel Dumfries’ cross into his own net.
Turkey launched a late assault, with Micky van de Ven blocking replacement Zeki Celik’s goalbound attempt yards from the line, and Verbruggen making an incredible stop in added time after Gakpo was denied.
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk said:
“How is my heart? It’s fine. You know they’re going to take a lot of risks, but now we’re in the semi-finals. This is very important and very beautiful, with such a crowd. We knew there would be a lot of Turks in the stadium, but I’m proud of these guys.
“In the end we got sloppy, but actually we didn’t give anything away. In the second half, we had to stay calm and take advantage of our chances. Of course, we thought it would be fine, it would be very bad if we didn’t think so. We are one step closer. We can get to work!”
Turkey captain Hakan Calhanoglu said:
“Unfortunately, we could only make it this far. I am happy if we could bring excitement to our nation. Of course, we wanted to continue this path. Unfortunately, there is also losing in football. I would like to, once again, thank all our fans.
“We didn’t start the second half well, we retreated. After the second goal, we tried long balls and took our chances.
“I am proud to have come this far. Everyone represented their country in the best possible way. I would like to thank all my team-mates.”
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