New Delhi: In an exciting match at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, the Netherlands beat Turkey 2-1 to reach the Euro 2024 semi-finals. The Dutch team had a rough start in the tournament but improved over time, getting through the group stage and defeating Romania 3-0 in the Round of 16.
Turkey, seen as a surprise contender, made it to the quarter-finals by beating Austria 2-1, even without their captain, Hakan Calhanoglu. Arda Guler, the Real Madrid star, stepped up and played a key role for Turkey.
During the match, Turkey took an early lead and held onto it for 70 minutes. The Netherlands then made a comeback with Stefan de Vrij scoring a great header to equalise. Soon after, a cross from Denzel Dumfries led to Mert Mulder scoring an own goal, putting the Netherlands ahead.
In the second half, the Netherlands played with more energy, using a higher defensive line and pressing harder, which disrupted Turkey’s play. Despite several close attempts from Tosun, Akturkoglu, and Kilicsoy, the Dutch defence stayed strong and secured the win.
Ronald Koeman’s team will now face England in the semi-finals. Turkey leaves the tournament with pride, having shown some of the best performances of the competition.
Turning Point: The Dutch press dismantled the Turkish defense
BERLIN, GERMANY – JULY 6: Denzel Dumfries of Netherlands looks on while Fans of Türkiye are waving flags and using fireworks during the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final match between Netherlands and Türkiye at Olympiastadion on July 6, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
The first half was evenly matched, with Turkey scoring an early goal through an exquisite curling cross put by Arda Guler towards Akaydin. Since then, the Dutch pushed up the flanks to create chances but the Turkish defense was comfortable defending four Dutch players up-front. The 5-4-1 formation worked wonders for the Turks in that aspect. Salih Ozcan occasionally shifted in the centre hole of the back five, leading to difficulties for Gakpo and Depay to penetrate through the line. The Turks sat back and invited pressure, with the mindset to quickly counter the Dutch through Arda Guler and Hakan Calhanoglu whom Ronald Koeman’s side failed to contain on multiple occasions.
However, the second half allowed everyone to witness a threatening Netherlands side that we witnessed for a few minutes when Malen scored the quick brace. The shift of momentum was swift, leading to the Turks’ stumble. The Turkish defence was struggling to keep up with the pace of Dumfries and Gakpo. The main factor that allowed the Dutch duo to push up further lies in the fact that the whole defensive and midfield line pushed up on the field.
The higher defensive engagement allowed the Dutch to continuously enter the opposition box. Turkey did not play long ball and didn’t feel comfortable playing a new approach in the middle of the match. The loose balls were easily taken away by Van Dijk, Reijnders, and Schouten. The overlapping wing-backs offered options for the Dutch midfield to make space for Gakpo and Depay to finally threaten the box. Dumfries’ crosses and runs from the right flank dismantled the defence. The right wing-back pulled the defence to his side, allowing Gakpo and Depay to make runs from the left side.
Such occurrences led to poor defending from the Turkish defence who were preoccupied with keeping the edges of the goal post, and completely left De Vrij unmarked. The equaliser changed the momentum further. The high defence press disallowed the Turkish midfield to rotate the ball frequently, leading to interceptions and quick counters from the Dutch. Dumfries was yet again the difference in the attack, with his lethal low cross curling inside the box towards Gakpo.
Yet again the Turks left the Dutch runs unmarked. Mert Mulder hurriedly tried to intercept the ball, but it ended up in his own net. The high defensive line and pressing dismantled the Turks’ night. A nightmarish second half for Montella’s side, with the manager failing to provide an answer to the winds of change in the Dutch team.
The Netherlands came back from a deficit to score two goals and win against the brave Turkish side to qualify for the semi-final of the UEFA Euro 2024. Check out which point changed the whole game for Ronald Koeman’s side. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
