2 Netherlands vs 1 Turkey
Netherlands take on Turkey for highly sought-after semi-final spot.
The Netherlands and Turkey prepare for a thrilling showdown in Berlin, as the Flying Dutchmen aim to reclaim European glory against a resilient Turkish side eager to rewrite history in their first-ever major tournament clash.
Netherlands
The Netherlands overcame a slow start to secure a convincing 3-0 win over Romania. A brilliant finish midway through the first half from Cody Gakpo and a brace from substitute Donyell Malen helped Ronald Koeman’s men reach the European Championship quarterfinal for the first time since 2008.
"The whole performance today was outstanding," Ronald Koeman told reporters. "That's what we need to have a chance to continue in this tournament," he added.
The Netherlands have a date set against Turkey in what will be their first meeting at a major tournament. However, both teams have faced off fourteen times across all competitions, with the most recent encounter in September 2021, when the Dutch recorded a resounding 6-1 victory over Turkey in a World Cup qualifying match.
The Flying Dutchmen have progressed through five of their last seven major tournament quarterfinals and will be hoping to do so again when they take on Turkey on Saturday. Moreover, Oranje will be looking to win successive knockout fixtures in a single edition of the European Championship for only the second time, after 1988, when they won the competition.
A 4—3—3 formation with Donyell Malen, Memphis Depay, and the tournament’s joint top goalscorer Cody Gakpo in attack is expected.
Turkey
Turkey advanced to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Austria on Tuesday. The keenly contested game saw Merih Demiral grab a brace (1’, 59’), one of which is the quickest knockout-stage goal in European Championship history.
Despite a spirited fightback from the Austrians, Turkey held on for the win, thanks to a stunning last-gasp save from goalkeeper Mert Günok. Before Günok’s heroics, Michael Gregoritsch (66’) had halved the deficit shortly after the hour mark.
‘The defining moments of the match were Mert Günok's save at the end and Merih Demiral's two goals,’ Vincenzo Montella told reporters. Turkey will be looking to make it to the semi-finals of the European Championship for just the second time, having last achieved this feat in Euro 2008.
‘They're also a very talented team, and it'll be a tough match,’ Montella said, speaking on Saturday’s clash with the Dutch. With skipper Hakan Çalhanoğlu back after suspension, Montella could revert to a 4—2—3—1 with Barış Alper Yılmaz in attack.
Meanwhile, İsmail Yüksek and Orkun Kökçü are suspended.
Team form
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Team Comparison
Side-by-side assessment of team statistics, including goals, attacks, and more. This allows you to directly compare key performance metrics. Analyzing these stats can reveal patterns and strengths that might influence the outcome.