Euro24: Dutch Secure Semi-Finals Spot with Six-Minute Blitz against gallant Turkey

 


In a dramatic six-minute stretch during the second half, the Netherlands managed to edge out Turkey with a 2-1 victory in the Euro Cup quarter-finals held in Berlin on Saturday. This win propels the Netherlands into the semi-finals, where they will face England.


Despite not displaying spectacular football throughout the match, the Dutch side executed when it mattered most. Turkey, on the other hand, impressed with their attacking style but ultimately succumbed to the Netherlands' experience and a bit of misfortune. Turkey's efforts included a goal-line save and a free kick that hit the post . This marks only the second time Turkey has missed the semi-finals in a major competition, the first being their third-place finish at the 2002 World Cup.


Throughout the tournament, Turkey's attacking prowess had been on full display, defeating all comers. Expectations were high for a similar performance against the Netherlands, and Vincenzo Montella’s squad didn’t disappoint in terms of aggression. From the outset, Turkey attacked relentlessly, swiftly moving into the Dutch penalty area whenever opportunities arose. Their counterattacks looked lethal . 


The Netherlands, meanwhile, had been struggling since their pre-quarter-final match against Romania. Despite boasting several talented players, the team had difficulty finding the net. This struggle continued into the first half against Turkey, with Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo leading the Dutch attacks but failing to penetrate Turkey’s solid defence. Turkey’s backline was particularly impressive, cutting off Dutch advances and transitioning quickly to offense through players like Arda Guler and Boris Yilmazer, with Hakan Calhanoglu commanding the midfield.


Turkey’s persistent attacks eventually paid off when Guler’s corner deflection found Samet Akaydin, who scored the opening goal. Early in the second half, Depay missed a chance to equalize, and Guler’s free kick later hit the post after a slight touch from the Dutch goalkeeper.


Turkey seemed on the brink of closing out the match when the Dutch storm changed everything. In the 70th minute, Stephan de Vrij equalized with a powerful header from a corner kick. Just six minutes later, the Netherlands took the lead due to a defensive error by Turkey. Denzel Dumfries’ pass from the right was mishandled by Mert Muldur, resulting in an own goal with Gakpo sliding 


Despite a flurry of attacks in the final moments, Turkey couldn’t break through the Netherlands’ defense. The Dutch held firm, securing their place in the semi-finals with a hard-fought victory.

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