Stefan De Vrij & Muldur's own goal lift Netherlands to 2-1 victory over Turkey; reach Euro 2024 semifinals

The Dutch came from behind to secure a hard-earned win.

Turkey’s hearts were broken by a Dutch double in the second half, and as a result, the Netherlands are going to face England in Dortmund on Wednesday to secure a spot in the Euro 2024 final.

Ronald Koeman’s team advanced thanks to goals from Stefan de Vrij and an own goal from Mert Müldür, following Turkey’s well-earned first-half lead through Samet Akaydin.

The game got underway quickly, mirroring Berlin’s flamboyant and boisterous atmosphere. At times, the large Turkish population in Germany’s capital have made the competition feel like a home game for the team they support, while the enthusiastic supporters of the Netherlands were additionally an enjoyable aspect.

In the first thirty minutes, neither was able to find so much as a shot on target, despite the tension.

Soon enough, all of that were altered by an incredible performance by Arda Güler, the competition’s standout young talent. The 19-year-old skillfully used his left foot to bring down a loose ball before laying a cross with his right foot that found Akaydin’s head at the back post. The central defender did not err.

Turkey, in contrast to many of the more seasoned teams in the competition, decided not to sit back and instead attacked the Dutch defence, even if it meant leaving an occasional opening on the break.

It seemed as though their supporters would not let them. Among those watching from the stands was Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who got involved in a diplomatic spat following a gesture made by Merih Demiral during the previous round.

Demiral received a two-game suspension for celebrating his team’s victory over Austria on Tuesday by making the grey wolf symbol, which is connected to Turkey’s far-right.

Frenzied whistling rained down from the stadium every time the Dutch enjoyed a stretch of possession, and every Turkish touch shouted like a goal.

But the Netherlands staged a late comeback, Trailing with 20 minutes remaining in regulation time, the Dutch equalized through Stefan de Vrij’s header. Six minutes later, Cody Gakpo’s attacking run led to an own goal by Turkish defender Mert Muldur, giving the Netherlands the lead.

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