BERLIN — In a thrilling Euro 2024 quarterfinal clash, the Netherlands rallied from behind to defeat Turkey 2-1 on Saturday, securing their coveted spot in the tournament’s semifinals. The intense match, played in Berlin, saw a dramatic turn of events in the second half, ultimately leading the Dutch team to victory and shattering Turkey’s Euro dreams.
The decisive moment arrived in the 76th minute when Mert Muldur, under pressure from Cody Gakpo, inadvertently deflected a Denzel Dumfries cross into his own net. This own goal came just six minutes after Stefan De Vrij had leveled the score for the Netherlands, cancelling out Samet Akaydin’s earlier header for Turkey. The late flurry of goals ensured a captivating finish to a tightly contested game.
With this victory, the Netherlands are now set to face England in the second semifinal scheduled for Wednesday in Dortmund. The other semifinal will see Spain take on France on Tuesday, setting the stage for a week of high-stakes European football.
Leading up to the match, Turkey was notably missing defender Merih Demiral, who was serving a two-match suspension imposed by UEFA. This ban stemmed from a nationalistic hand gesture Demiral made after scoring in Turkey’s previous 2-1 win against Austria. The gesture, associated with Turkish ultra-nationalist groups, sparked controversy and drew criticism.
Adding to the game’s political undertones, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended the match. His presence was a change of plans reportedly influenced by the diplomatic tensions with Germany surrounding Demiral’s gesture. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser had publicly condemned Demiral’s celebration as “a platform for racism,” while Cem Özdemir, a German politician of Turkish descent, described the gesture as representing “terror, fascism.” Despite the controversy, many Turkish fans were seen displaying the gesture en route to Berlin’s Olympiastadion and during the national anthem before the game, highlighting the charged atmosphere surrounding the fixture.
Mert Gunok, Turkey's goalkeeper, reacts after conceding a goal against the Netherlands during their Euro 2024 quarterfinal match. The Netherlands defeated Turkey to advance to the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
On the pitch, the Netherlands started strongly, with their attacking trio of Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons, and Memphis Depay posing early threats. However, the Turkish defense, mirroring their strategy from the Austria game, effectively absorbed the pressure, initially limiting the Dutch attack. Turkey adopted a five-at-the-back formation when out of possession, gradually growing into the game and asserting themselves.
Turkey’s breakthrough came in the 35th minute. Arda Guler delivered a perfectly weighted cross, finding Samet Akaydin, who expertly headed the ball in off the underside of the crossbar. The goal ignited fervent celebrations among the Turkish team and their supporters. Guler was mobbed by hugs in the coaching area, while Turkish fans in the stadium’s west end lit flares, creating a vibrant scene.
The passionate Turkish support was evident throughout the stadium, with their fans significantly outnumbering the Dutch contingent in Berlin. This strong Turkish presence is rooted in Germany’s large Turkish community, estimated at around 3 million, many of whom are descendants of “guest workers” who migrated to West Germany post-World War II. This community has passionately backed the Turkish national team throughout Euro 2024.
As the first half drew to a close, the Netherlands intensified their search for an equalizer, met by a chorus of whistles from the predominantly Turkish crowd. Recognizing the need for change, Dutch coach Ronald Koeman, a Euro ’88 winner with the Netherlands as a player, introduced striker Wout Weghorst at halftime, replacing Steven Bergwijn.
Weghorst’s introduction provided a focal point for the Dutch attack, leading to sustained pressure on the Turkish defense. While Arda Guler struck the post with a free kick for Turkey, it was a rare foray forward as the Netherlands maintained control.
The Dutch pressure finally yielded results in the 70th minute. A well-placed cross from Memphis Depay found Stefan De Vrij unmarked in the box, and the defender headed home decisively to level the score. The equalizer reignited the Dutch fans in the stadium, and their cheers grew louder just six minutes later. Gakpo’s persistence then led to the crucial own goal by Muldur, sealing the Netherlands’ 2-1 victory and their place in the Euro 2024 semifinals.
