The Netherlands won the quarter-finals against Turkey. A late double strike will take Oranje into the semi-finals of the European Championship.
A lot of explosiveness beforehand, a lot of excitement on the pitch: the Netherlands won the quarter-finals of the European Championship against Turkey 2-1 (0-1) thanks to a late save in their favour. In the semi-finals, Oranje will face England on Wednesday for a place in the final.
Under the eyes of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, after the political upheaval of the wolves’ salute in the Berlin cauldron, the Elftal let the employee’s dream of reaching a historic semi-final fall and moved into the top four for the first time an hour ago. 2004. Bond coach Ronald Koeman’s team can continue to dream of their second European title after 1988. Fans and players celebrated from left to right after the final whistle to the cult victory “Snollebollekes”.
Stefan de Vrij (70th) and an own goal from Mert Müldür (76th) helped the Dutch to victory after Samet Akaydin had given Turkey an early lead and caused an explosion of celebration in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium. Substitute Bertug Yildirim saw red in stoppage time.
“It was a real battle,” said de Vrij. The Turks showed “big heart and a lot of quality”. “We had to suffer today, but we deserved to win.” This is the sixth time the Dutch have reached the semi-finals of the European Championship – only Germany have achieved this more often (nine times).
Fuss about the blessing of a wolf
The game was further fueled by the debates surrounding the wolf salute, a hand signal and symbol of the Turkish extremist and ultra-nationalist organization “Gray Wolves”. Demiral had shown the sign in the round of 16 against Austria (2-1) and UEFA banned him for two matches there.
The incident caused a stir: Germany and Turkey summoned their respective ambassadors. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also participated; the Turkish head of state watched the game in the stands in a dark suit with a red tie. Shortly before the start of the game, the police stopped a procession of fans in which, according to the authorities, the salute of the wolves was shown “in a big way”. In the stadium, supporters in the Turkish bloc also made the symbol with their hands, especially during the anthem.
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Demiral celebrates suspended in the stands
On the field, Turkey played courageously forward, with loud applause from their fans. However, the Dutch had their first chance after just under a minute. However, Memphis Depay’s shot went over the target, as did Dortmund’s Salih Özcan a little later on the other side (11th).
The Elftal let the ball run through their own steps, but they couldn’t find a way through. Turkey defended passionately and continued to look for a way forward in a tough opening phase. Akaydin finally rewarded the offensive efforts and caused the stadium to explode with his opening goal – the suspended Demiral applauding in the stands.
A late double strike saves Oranje
After the break, the Netherlands pushed for the equalizer and increased the pressure, but they were not strong enough in front of the goal. Arda Güler failed to get the upper hand and hit the post with a free kick (56′).
De Vrij brought Oranje back into the game. The game remained competitive, and both teams did not let up in the beginning – until Müldür guided the ball into his own goal in a contest with Cody Gakpo. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was ahead in stoppage time.
By Sports Information Service (SID)