2024-07-03 18:19:36
The final two teams to play in the Euro quarter-finals will be decided on Tuesday. Exciting duels between Romania and the Netherlands, and Austria against Turkey, will determine who will advance to the next phase. The first match of the day will be between the Netherlands and Romania, at 11:00 am, Colombia time, broadcast on ESPN. The Dutch team, under the direction of Ronald Koeman, seeks to emulate the success of other European powers such as Germany, Spain, Portugal and France, which have already secured their place in the quarter-finals.
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The Netherlands have not reached this stage since Euro 2008, and their performance in this edition has been modest, qualifying third in their group with just four points. Captain Virgil van Dijk has acknowledged the need to improve: “If we want to do something significant in this tournament, we have to change something.” Meanwhile, Romania, coached by Edward Iordanescu, will hope to defy expectations. “We will have to play a close to perfect game to get a good result,” said Iordanescu.
The second match of the day, at 2:00 pm Colombian time, also broadcast on ESPN, will see Austria take on Turkey in Leipzig. This match promises to be a thrilling one, with Austria standing out as one of the tournament’s revelations. Austria, who finished top of Group D, considered one of the toughest, are looking to maintain their impressive form. “We’ve made it through the first stage. Now that we’re in the knockout phase we have to be ambitious,” said midfielder Marcel Sabitzer.
Turkey, who suffered a humiliating 6-1 defeat to Austria in March, are looking for redemption. Turkish coach Vincenzo Montella acknowledged Austria’s collective strength but also praised his team’s attacking ability: “We are the team that has scored the most goals, with five different scorers.” However, Turkey will face the match without captain Hakan Calhanoglu and defender Samet Akaydin, both suspended.
The Euro 2019 is heading into the quarter-finals with two matches that have the scent of an early final: Germany-Spain and Portugal-France, which will be played on Friday. The Portuguese advanced to the last 16 after a penalty shoot-out against Slovenia, while France achieved a last-minute victory over Belgium with an 85th-minute goal from Kolo Muani.
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The Dutch will be looking to follow the example of these historic teams from the Old Continent and advance to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2008. Meanwhile, Austria and Turkey promise a passionate encounter, with both teams determined to advance in the tournament.