NETHERLANDS and Turkey are all set to face off in a mouthwatering Euro 2024 quarter-final tie – and the action unfolds TONIGHT!
Donyell Malen‘s double and Cody Gakpo‘s third of the tournament saw the Dutch cruise past Romania in their round of 16 match.
And it was a much-needed performance after Ronald Koeman’s side had been stunned by Austria just last week.
Ironically, that same Austrian team crashed out of the competition at the hands of the Netherlands’ upcoming opponents Turkey.
Two superb strikes from Merih Demiral including a record-breaking goal in 56 seconds helped the Turkish icons seal a place in the last-16.
The winners of this thrilling battle will go up against the victors of England vs Switzerland so either way, fans are in for a fierce semi-final.
Koeman will be wary of a mixed recent record against their quarter-final opponents.
Although Turkey have won just one of their last four meetings, it came in the form of a 6-1 thrashing in their last meeting in 2021.
Turkey were also beaten by the same scoreline by Austria in March, though, only to dump them out on Tuesday night.
Vincenzo Montella’s side are looking to reach their first Euros semi-final since 2008.
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Meanwhile, the Dutch have not made the last four for 20 years.
Their hiatus from the semi-finals follows a run of four appearances in five tournaments between 1988 and 2004.
Holland have been dominant against less fancied opposition in recent months.
Since the start of last season, only France, Germany and Austria have beaten the Oranje.
However, the 1988 winners did not look at their best during the group stage before turning it on for an impressive rout of Romania.
Turkey’s form heading into the tournament could not have been much worse, with zero wins from their four friendlies.
Those defeats including the crushing loss to Austria, which they have now avenged after also beating Georgia and the Czech Republic in Germany.
Montella will have been concerned by their self-destruction in the 3-0 loss to Portugal during the group stage, though.
Koeman faces no injury or suspension issues ahead of the last eight this weekend.
He is likely to recall Malen after his brace off the bench against Romania on Tuesday.
The Dortmund forward lost his place to Steven Bergwijn, but replaced him at half-time before scoring twice.
Meanwhile, Turkey will welcome back both Samet Akaydin and Hakan Calhanoglu from suspension.
Orkun Kokcu and Ismail Yuksek are now banned, though, after being booked against Austria.
Kokcu had limped off late on and may have been a doubt had he been available.
Montella has also been left sweating on whether Demiral will be available, with Uefa launching an investigation into his goal celebration against Austria.
Gakpo is now amongst the joint top scorers at Euro 2024 after taking his tally to three against Romania.
The Liverpool forward also grabbed an assist as he continued to impress in a Netherlands shirt.
Across his two major tournaments, Gakpo has scored six goals in 10 appearances along with two player of the match awards this summer.
Likewise, Arda Guler has twice been named player of the match for Turkey so far in the tournament.
The teenager dazzled with a stunning goal in the win over Georgia and delivered the corner for Demiral’s second against Austria.
Guler has put an injury-hit first season with Real Madrid behind him to show his class for his country.
Koeman hailed his side after Tuesday’s last 16 win, telling reporters: “We are Dutch and in Holland we have to play well, we have to play offensive.
“The performance was outstanding and that is what we need to have a chance to continue in this tournament.”
Meanwhile, Turkey’s incredible support was recognised by Montella as he spoke to the media.
He said: “We have a huge following, there is passion and love.
“This responsibility, love and support we constantly feel it, but you can only embrace these dreams if you work hard from day one – we will celebrate tonight but then we get down to work.”
The Netherlands will head into the match as favourites off the back of their comfortable win over Romania.
Turkey have had contrasting fortunes against more fancied opposition this summer, having faced both Portugal and Austria.
Their fans will be hoping for a repeat of the display in the last round as they chase a spot in the semi-finals.
However, the manner of their loss to Portugal could provide Holland with the confidence needed to brush their opponents aside.
SunSport prediction – 2-0
YES!
Fans can watch Netherlands vs Turkey for FREE in the UK as long as you have a valid TV license.
Donyell Malen’s double might have earned him a spot in Ronald Koeman’s starting eleven for this quarter-final tie.
That would potentially mean ex-Tottenham star Steven Bergwijn dropping to the bench.
Elsewhere, Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella will be delighted to welcome back captain Hakan Calhanoglu and influential defender Samet Akaydin to the fold after they both served a one-match suspension.
However, Turkey last-16 hero Merih Demiral is facing a ban for a ‘prohibited gesture’ during his celebrations.
After 90 minutes
To qualify
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication
