Euro 2024: Netherlands to face England in semis after defeating Turkiye 2-1
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Berlin: Samet Akaydin's first-half opener proved insufficient for the Turks, as the Dutch responded with two goals in seven minutes to secure their semifinal match against England at Euro 2024.
Both teams began the game with a strong level of motivation and traded attacks, with Xavi Simons and Salih Ozcan unleashing long-range efforts in the early stages.
Turkiye turned up and gained momentum as Arda Guler's strike missed the target just wide in the 32nd minute before his in-swinging cross allowed Akaydin to nod home the opener at the far post three minutes later, reports Xinhua.
After the interval, Ronald Koeman brought Wout Weghorst from the bench, and his introduction made an impact as his lay-up fed unmarked Memphis Depay, who couldn't beat Türkiye goalkeeper Mert Gunok from very close range in the 51st minute, IANS reported.
Weghorst kept Turkiye busy as the striker unleashed an effort into the arms of Gunok six minutes later.
The Turks remained dangerous though and had chances to extend the advantage as Guler rattled the woodwork, while Kenan Yildiz tested Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
However, the Netherlands' pressure paid off in the 70th minute when Depay's pinpoint corner found Stefan de Vrij, who headed home the equalizer.
The Netherlands remained on the front foot and turned the tide as Cody Gakpo pressured defender Mert Muldur, whose clearance attempt ended up in his own goal and made it 2-1, following a square pass from Denzel Dumfries.
Türkiye pressed frantically for the leveller, but the Netherlands protected their narrow lead to the final whistle.
"It was a battle. The Turks have a big heart and gave us a tough time. We came back though and clinched a deserved victory," De Vrij said after the game.
