Netherlands players celebrate their victory over Turkey to book a Euro 2024 semi-final spot
BY Jonathan Ledger
The Netherlands scored twice in the second half to complete a come-from-behind win over Turkey in their European Championship quarter-final encounter at the Olympic stadium in Berlin on Saturday.
Ronald Koeman’s side fell behind in the pulsating encounter and had to wait until later in the second half to overpower the Turks, thanks to two quick goals within six minutes.
Turkey were without Merih Demiral, their two-goal hero in the last-16 following a two-match ban, and his defensive solidity was sorely missed on a night they matched the Netherlands for long spells before the eventual capitulation.
Despite is absence, Samet Akaydin scored in the 37th minute with a header from Arda Guler’s cross to put The Crescent Stars in the lead at the interval.
The Dutch worked their way to the equalizer on 70 minutes with Memphis Depay crossing for Stefan de Vrij to power home a header from a shot corner. Fans regained their voice and the Netherlands went ahead for the first time in the match six minutes later, when Mert Mulder bundled a cross into the net for an own goal as Turkey crumbled.
The Netherlands held on to claim a deserved victory that put them in the last-four stage where they will face England. The Three Lions had needed a 5-3 shootout win over Switzerland following a 1-1 scoreline after 120 minutes.
Manuel Akanji saw his kick saved while Trent Alexander-Arnold converted the winning kick.
The Dutch became the second country after Portugal in 2016 to qualify for the semi-final after finishing the group stage as one of the four best losers.
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