EURO 2024 Quarter-finals: Nether lands vs. Turkey

The Netherlands and Turkey will face off in a highly anticipated quarterfinal match at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Both teams have taken different paths to reach this stage, but they share a common goal: to secure a spot in the semifinals and keep their championship dreams alive.

Netherlands: Bouncing Back at the Right Time

The Netherlands had a shaky start to the tournament, finishing third in their group with a record of 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss. However, they bounced back in the Round of 16 with a convincing 3-0 victory over Romania, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Coach Ronald Koeman emphasized the importance of maintaining strong performances throughout the tournament, rather than relying on defeats to trigger them.

The Dutch will be looking to their in-form striker Cody Gakpo, who has scored six goals in nine appearances at the Euros, to lead the charge against Turkey. Midfielder Xavi Simons, who provided the assist for Gakpo's opener against Romania, will also be a key player for the Netherlands.

Turkey: The Underdogs Ready to Cause an Upset

Turkey, ranked 42nd by FIFA, have defied expectations by reaching the quarterfinals[5]. They finished second in Group F, defeating Czechia and Poland 2-1 while suffering a 3-0 loss to Portugal. In the Round of 16, Turkey edged out Austria 2-1 despite having fewer shots and shots on target.

The Turks will be relying on the experience and leadership of midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu to guide them through the match. The 19-year-old Real Madrid starlet Arda Guler, who provided an assist against Austria, will also be a player to watch.

Head-to-Head and Predictions

The Netherlands and Turkey have met 14 times in the past, with the Dutch coming out on top on six occasions, Turkey winning four times, and four matches ending in draws. However, this will be the first time they face each other in a knockout tournament game.

Despite Turkey's underdog status, the match is expected to be a high-scoring affair. The Netherlands have scored at least two goals in six of their last eight Euro matches, while Turkey loves to attack and has only had two of their 22 games at the Euros finish level.

Prediction for the match is a 3-1 victory for the Netherlands. The Dutch are favored at -175 on the moneyline, while Turkey stands at +500. The Over/Under is set at 2.5 goals, with Over at -130 being the recommended bet.

Conclusion

The Netherlands vs Turkey quarterfinal promises to be an exciting and closely contested match. While the Netherlands are the favorites, Turkey have proven their ability to upset the odds and will be looking to continue their historic run at Euro 2024. Fans can expect an entertaining clash of contrasting styles, with the potential for plenty of goals at both ends.

The Bad Tackle

The Netherlands are starting to get their groove back in EURO 2024. It has very good individual talent, technical skills, and a deep bench. Typical of a Dutch team at a high-level tournament. How they've never gotten their hands on a top prize still escapes me.

Turkey - who few predicted to go this far - will find this assignment difficult to pass. Add to their troubles will be the absence of match hero Merih Demiral for an act violating the rules of decent conduct.