"Something special" - Ronald Koeman relishing Netherlands' Euro 2024 semifinal showdown against England
The Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has opened up about his side reaching the EURO 2024 semi-final against England. He mentioned the occasion as 'special' and asserted that they would need to fight to reach the final.
Oranje defeated Turkiye 2-1 in their Euro 2024 quarter-final clash at the Olympiastadion Berlin on Saturday, July 6. Samet Akaydin opened the scoring in the 35th minute before Stefan de Vrij equalised in the 70th minute. Mert Muldur's 76th minute sealed the win for the Dutch despite a late push from Turkiye.
The Netherlands have reached the semi-final of a Euros for the first time since 2004. After the game, Ronald Koeman said (via Yahoo Sports):
“For the whole nation it is something special. We are a small nation and to be part of the semi-finals with England, France and Spain we are really proud to get the opportunity.”
Their semi-final opponents, England, defeated Switzerland in their quarter-final clash on penalties. They needed extra time to beat Slovakia in the Round of 16. When asked if it could play a part in the semi-finals in terms of exhaustion, Koeman said:
“If you win the match that always gives a good feeling. We need to recover, like England. It is not a physical difference between them and us. We played on the same day, we need to travel like them. It is not the physical [aspect] that will decide the result.”
The two sides will face off at Signal Iduna Park in the semi-final on July 10. Spain will face France in the other semi-final at Allianz Arena the previous day.
The Netherlands edge out past Turkiye to set up Euro 2024 semi-final against England
Turkiye started the Euro 2024 quarter-final match well against the Netherlands and were rewarded in the 35th minute. Samet Akaydin rose the highest from an Arda Guler cross from his weaker right foot to head it in. Both sides were then unable to add to the scoring in the first half.
Ronald Koeman introduced Wout Weghorst in the second half, replacing Steven Bergwjin. It had an instant impact as the Netherlands looked much better as they pushed for an equaliser. Stefan de Vrij then scored via a header from a Memphis Depay cross.
Mert Muldur then failed to deal with a low cross from Denzel Dumfries and put it in his own net under pressure from Cody Gakpo. Turkiye later saw a goal-line clearance from Micky van de Ven and an excellent save from Bart Verbruggen deny them a late equaliser.