Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has praised his team’s impressive 2-1 comeback win over Turkey, setting up a semi-final clash with England at Euro 2024, Soccernet.football reports.
Koeman’s team turned around a 1-0 deficit with two second-half goals. Stefan de Vrij equalized, and an own goal by Turkey’s Mert Müldür secured the win for the Netherlands in their quarter-final match in Berlin.
Both nations were competing in their first EURO quarter-final in 16 years. Koeman had urged his players to maintain possession and control the game’s pace early on. They nearly took the lead in the opening minute, but Memphis Depay missed a good chance.
Turkey grew into the game, limiting the space the Dutch team needed. Their goal came from a set-piece, with Samet Akaydin scoring off a corner kick delivered by Arda Güler.
At halftime, Koeman made adjustments, including bringing on Wout Weghorst. The Netherlands appeared more direct in the second half but had a couple of scares. Arda Güler’s free-kick hit ..., and Kaan Ayhan was denied a close-range chance by Weghorst.
De Vrij’s header from a Depay cross tied the game, showcasing the Netherlands’ set-piece ability. Soon after, Denzel Dumfries’s cross forced Müldür to score an own goal under pressure from Cody Gakpo.
Turkey’s late efforts to equalize were thwarted by a crucial block from Micky van de Ven and a save by Bart Verbruggen in added time.
Koeman expressed his pride in leading the Netherlands, a “small nation,” to the semi-finals of the European Championships.
“For the whole nation, it’s something special,” Koeman told UEFA.com. “We are a small nation and we’re in the semi-finals with England, France, and Spain and are really proud.
“We had to suffer tonight but there are no easy games. They put everything into it. It was an emotional match and we showed real heart. It was a good second half. We had to suffer but it’s a great success to get the opportunity to play in a semi-final.”
The Netherlands will play England in Dortmund on Wednesday, 10 July. The winners will face either Spain or France in the final in Berlin on Sunday, 14 July.