By Theo Van Zyl
The Netherlands pulled off a late comeback to beat dark horses Turkey in the quarter finals of Euro 2024 on Saturday.
The tournament’s top goalscorer Cody Gakpo couldn’t get any chances out of Turkey’s defence in the first half.
Turkey struck first when Arda Güler’s cross found Samet Akaydin, whose close range header was too powerful for Bart Verbruggen in goal.
Güler’s cross was his third goal involvement of the tournament, a great return for the nineteen year old.
The Real Madrid midfielder nearly added to that tally when his second half free kick struck the outside of the post.
The Netherlands’ fortunes changed in the second half.
Stefan De Vrij equalised with a bullet header from a corner — it was the centre back’s first goal for his country since 2016.
The Oranje completed the comeback when Denzel Dumfries’ low cross found Gakpo, whose scuffed shot trickled into the Turkish net via Mert Mulder.
Turkey pushed for an equaliser late in the game.
If it wasn’t for an excellent goal line clearance from Mickey Van de Ven, they would have had one.
Verbruggen was also kept busy in between the sticks, pulling off some fantastic stops.
The Netherlands defended strongly. It was a game of fine margins but it was Ronald Koeman’s side who advanced to the semi finals.
They will play England on Wednesday in Dortmund for a place in the final.
Pictured above: The Netherlands celebrate their second goal.
Source: Euro 2024
