Updated 00.07 | Published 2024-07-06 22.54
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The Netherlands really changed gears.
With two goals in six minutes, they made it 2–1 against Turkey and advanced to the EC semi-finals.
– How does my heart feel? Excellent, says team captain Virgil van Dijk to NOS.
When the final whistle went in Berlin, there were a bunch of relieved Dutch players on the pitch.
They were in the dock for a long time after Turkey’s lead goal in the first half. But when it was most needed, the Netherlands stepped up.
Two goals in six minutes and some sweaty defending and goalkeeping during Turkey’s late onslaught saw the Netherlands through to the European Championship semi-finals.
– We calmed down in the second and took advantage of our chances. Of course we thought it would go well, it would have been bad if we had thought otherwise, says Virgil van Dijk.
The super talent behind Turkey’s leading goal
Turkey, who have impressed in the championship, found themselves in the driver’s seat in the 35th minute. The 19-year-old super talent Arda Güler hit the cross that Samet Akaydin headed in for his first career national team goal.
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full screen Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Güler also came close to extending Turkey’s lead when he tapped a free kick onto the post ten minutes into the second.
But it was the Netherlands who scored the most in the second half and were finally paid for their efforts when Stefan de Vrij headed in a Memphis Depay cross in the 70th minute.
Own goal lowered Turkey
Six minutes later it was time again. Denzel Dumfries hit a low cross where Cody Gakpo stormed past defender Mert Müldür.
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full screen Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
From the television images, it was difficult to determine who was on the ball last. First, Gakpo was noted for the goal but just before the end of the match, Uefa had changed it to an own goal for Müldür.
– It’s a completely different intensity now, says TV4’s expert Jens Fjellström in the broadcast.
“We had six goalkeepers”
However, Turkey was close several times, but the Netherlands defended frantically and, among other things, Mickey van de Ven saved an open goal.
In stoppage time, goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen also made a great save from close range.
– After 2-1 I told myself that there would be one or two more good chances for Turkey, but today we had six goalkeepers. Wout Weghorst, Micky van de Ven, Denzel Dumfries and I think also Stefan de Vrij. They threw themselves in front of the ball as much as they could. It also gives as a goalkeeper such a fantastic feeling, says Verbruggen AD.
The Netherlands won 2-1 and will face England in the semi-finals on Wednesday.