Netherlands have set up an intriguing Euro 2024 semi-final with England courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Turkey in the quarter-finals of the competition on Saturday night.
England became the third semi-finalist at this summer's European Championship by beating Switzerland on penalties earlier in the evening, and the Three Lions will take on Ronald Koeman's side in Wednesday's final-four battle, as the Netherlands recorded a narrow win over Turkey.
Arda Guler set up Samet Akaydin for the first goal of the match in the 35th minute, with a wonderful delivery from the Real Madrid attacker being headed into the back of the net.
However, Stefan de Vrij levelled the scores in the 70th minute with a thumping header before Mert Muldur turned into his own net under pressure from Cody Gakpo to hand Netherlands the win.
Netherlands are semi-finalists for the first time since 2004, and they are chasing their second European Championship title after triumphing in 1988.
Just four teams now remain at Euro 2024, with Spain tackling France in the competition's first semi-final on Tuesday, before Netherlands lock horns with England one day later.
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Guler's mesmeric display proved to be in vain
Real Madrid paid just €17.5m (£14.8m) for Guler last summer, having activated his release clause at Fenerbahce, but he only started five matches for Los Blancos during the 2023-24 campaign.
Granted, Real Madrid is not the easiest side to break into, but Carlo Ancelotti might not be able to overlook him next season, especially considering he managed six goals in four La Liga starts last term.
Guler's delivery for Turkey's opener was absolutely sensational, and it was crying out to be finished; he then went on to hit the post with a brilliant second-half free kick.
The 19-year-old managed one goal and two assists at Euro 2024, and his performance on Saturday should not be overlooked despite the Netherlands emerging as the winners.
Turkey have the lead! 🇹🇷
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 6, 2024
Samet Akaydin heads his nation a goal up with his first goal for Turkey 🤩#Euro2024 | #NEDTUR pic.twitter.com/cAgYzX9zzR
Netherlands stage impressive fightback
The pressure was building for the Netherlands, and it was not a shock when the leveller came, with De Vrij rising highest inside the box to thump a header into the back of the net.
The comeback was complete in the 76th minute, with Muldur turning a low cross from Dumfries into the back of his own net; Gakpo claimed it, but the Liverpool attacker was left disappointed.
Netherlands needed their goalkeeper to be at his best in the latter stages, though, with Bart Verbruggen pulling off some impressive saves, as Turkey desperately attempted to level.
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Verbruggen made excellent late stop in quarter-final
Turkey must have thought that they had equalised in stoppage time, with Semih Kilicsoy meeting a cross from the left, but Verbruggen was on hand to make a tremendous save.
The 21-year-old somehow managed to stick a hand in the way of the ball to keep it out, and it was a defining moment in this contest, with Turkey's late efforts proving to be for nothing.
Turkey had 15 attempts to Netherlands 11, and on another day, England would have been preparing for a semi-final against Vincenzo Montella's side.
It was not to be for the Euro 2008 semi-finalists, but they can take plenty of encouragement from their performances this summer, with the future looking extremely bright for the national side.
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What next for the Netherlands and Turkey?
Netherlands march on, with England their opponents in the semi-finals of the competition on Wednesday night.
The Three Lions have been far from convincing this summer, needing penalties to beat Switzerland earlier in the evening, and Netherlands will fancy their chances of causing Gareth Southgate's side problems.
As for Turkey, their focus will soon switch to the start of their UEFA Nations League campaign, with their opening match set to take place against Wales on September 6.
Montella has a contract to remain as head coach until July 2006, and the 50-year-old is certainly capable of leading a talented young squad deep into future tournaments.
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