Netherlands’ Strong Track Record Meets Turkey’s Grit in Euro 2024 Quarters

History will be made when the Netherlands and Turkey face off in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. The Netherlands had a mixed start, with a comeback win against Poland, a goalless draw with France, and a tough 3-2 loss to Austria. 

They secured their spot as one of the best third-placed teams and then dominated Romania 3-0 in the round of 16. Cody Gakpo has been a standout player, scoring three goals in four matches. 

Turkey’s journey has been equally thrilling. They won an entertaining game against Georgia, lost to Portugal, and beat ten-man Czechia with a late goal by Cenk Tosun. In the round of 16, Turkey triumphed over Austria in an exciting match, thanks to two goals from Merih Demiral and a last-minute save by Mert Günok. The Netherlands has a strong track record in quarter-finals, advancing from five of their last seven major tournaments. 

Meanwhile, Turkey is making its fourth appearance in a major tournament quarter-final, having reached the semi-finals in 2002 and 2008. The match is set for 8 pm on Saturday, 6th July, at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.

This upcoming match will highlight two young talents at different career points. For the Netherlands, Cody Gakpo has been a standout performer with six goals between the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, second only to Kylian Mbappé in Europe. 

Gakpo’s six goals have come in separate matches, a feat achieved only by Dutch legends Dennis Bergkamp, Robin van Persie, and Wesley Sneijder at major tournaments. 

On the Turkish side, they’ve given six starts to teenagers, matching Spain’s Euro 2020 record. Notably, Arda Güler has made his mark with a goal and an assist, joining the ranks of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, who achieved similar feats as teenagers at Euro 2004. 

In the Dutch lineup, Gakpo remains a key player under Ronald Koeman, while Malen and Dumfries have solidified their positions. Veerman has been replaced by Reijnders after a poor performance, and Geertruida’s struggles in defence continue.

As they prepare to face Austria, ten players risk suspension due to yellow cards. Kökçü and Yüksek will miss the quarter-final due to bookings, and Demiral might also be suspended. However, Turkey will regain some key players like captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Samet Akaydın. Historically, the Netherlands has the upper hand against Turkey, including a memorable 6-1 win in their last World Cup qualifier, led by Depay’s hat trick.