The Netherlands have booked a date with England in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after beating Turkey 2-1 in the quarter-finals.
Turkey fielded a much-changed side following several suspensions, including Merih Demiral, who scored both goals in the last 16 win against Austria.
The Dutch retained most of their squad to beat Romania, with Nathan Ake ruled out after a late fitness test.
But it was Turkey who grabbed the opener shortly before the break, Arda Guler crossing for Samet Akaydin, who made no mistake with his header to give his side the lead they deserved.
Guler hit the post in the second half, and Wout Weghorst, who came into his own position, closed with two headers.
The Dutch found a way back into the game through Stefan de Vrij, who headed home from a corner to make it 1-1.
After a few minutes, they took the lead.
Mert Muldur turned the ball into his own net from Denzel Dumfries, although Cody Gakpo was there to pounce if he didn't touch the ball himself.
Turkey fought back and forced two big blocks from De Vrij and Micky van de Ven, and it was a real battle in the last 10 minutes as the Dutch continued.
How it happened
The Dutch were met in large numbers every time they came to the ball as the Turkish fans who were full inside the stadium made their voices heard.
Memphis Depay had his team's first chance after breaking into the box but his effort went wide with just seconds on the clock.
As many expected, it was an end-to-end first-half affair, with Turkey looking to beat the Dutch on the counter-attack.
There wasn't much for Bart Verbruggen to do, but he needed to stay alert to make sure he didn't get caught.
Cody Gakpo looked dangerous again, cutting through a number of Turkish players and landing outside the box, but the referee's theme on the night was to let the game flow as much as possible.
The wide players proved to be key for Vincenzo Montella's team, they were always looking to open up balls and run to their marker, making life difficult for the Dutch defence.
🥶#EURO2024 | #NEDTUR pic.twitter.com/0GAyFFUPGU
– UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 6, 2024
Much of the first half went by without any efforts on target, but there was a lively feel to the game, which was well balanced.
Hakan Calhanoglou, who was coming back from injury, was Turkey's biggest threat in sets, more than once releasing a dangerous ball that could be converted.
Despite this, it was Real Madrid's Guler who provided first aid.
As the ball fell to him from a half-cleared corner, the young midfielder delivered the ball to the back post, where Akaydin was waiting to convert.
Turkey continued to push until the whistle blew, with little response from the Dutch.
Wout Weghorst was brought on in the second half and was involved in the Dutch's first major game after the break.
Ake played a switch to Depay in the box, but the former could not head it home, although the flag went up for offside.
He almost fired one home a few minutes later, but his sharp header went over the bar.
🟠 The Netherlands dig deep 💪#EURO2024 | #NEDTUR pic.twitter.com/kd6StfG30J
– UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 6, 2024
On the other hand, Guler hit the post due to a free-kick which, after the replay, showed that Bart Verbruggen got little fingers in the shot.
Calhanoglou gave away another free-kick which was followed by the Turks, Verbruggen stepped up again to score.
The Dutch finally came back with 20 minutes to go.
De Vrij rose high from the corner to the net and rallied his side as they looked to push forward and win the match.
And that's exactly what they did.
Breaking down the right, Dumfries delivered a dangerous low ball into the box towards Gakpo, who tripped as he tried to push the ball home, but it was somehow turned away by Muldur.
In the dying minutes, it was a wall-to-wall for the Dutch, who relied on Van de Ven and De Vrij to pull off two big chances to deny Turkey an equaliser.
Verbruggen then had to make a reflex save that left the Turkish players stunned.
Five minutes were added to the end of the match, but the Turkish side, who were entertaining in style, could not get away with it and could go home with their heads held high following an impressive contest.
What's next for the Netherlands at Euro 2024?
The Netherlands will face England in the 2020 final in Dortmund on Wednesday night,
The much-anticipated match will start at 8pm with the final on the line.
If you fancy betting on the semi-finals of Euro 2024, don't forget to visit Betano's free bet offer page to get £30 of free bets
The winner will face France or Spain in the final next Sunday.
England are through to the semi-finals themselves, beating Switzerland on penalties.
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