Euro 2024: Netherlands vs Turkey tips and predictions - Gakpo shines again as Dutch advance to semi-finals
- George Dempsey
- 3 July 2024
The Netherlands face Turkey in Berlin on Saturday night (2000 BST) and we’re backing Ronald Koeman’s attack to shine bright again
The Netherlands flattened Romania 3-0 in the round of 16 in a solid display of their counter-attacking qualities to set up a quarter-final tie with Turkey.
Arda Guler starred for Vincenzo Montella’s side as they punched their ticket to Berlin by avenging the 6-1 thrashing they suffered at the hands of Austria in March.
The Italian has been lauded in the press for the success of his tactics, but in our opinion, it’s more a case of the ends justifying the means. That, plus a super save from Mert Gunok.
The decision to concede possession to guard against Austria using their high press is a fair idea, yet Ralf Rangnick’s side did enough to score three or more goals and win the match.
Allowing the Netherlands 60% possession is likely to end badly, but Ronald Koeman’s side has shown they’re just as efficient without the ball.
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They limited Romania to a brief spell in the first half of their round of 16 tie and led 1-0 at the break. In the second half, the Oranje wiped the floor with their opponents.
On the other hand, their vulnerability to the counter has been on display in each match and a feature of their matches has been a volume of big chances at both ends.
France controlled much of the play in a 0-0 draw, but games against Poland, Austria and Romania yielded a total of 12 big chances and 11 goals.
Xavi Simons and Cody Gakpo are proving to be a devastating duo and they’ll be involved in their side’s best attacking moments on Saturday.
While we don’t expect Turkey to progress from this tie, we can’t deny they’ve brought excitement and flare to the tournament, and they certainly won’t go down without a fight.
Team news
The Netherlands have no injuries or suspensions.
Donyell Malen, Memphis Depay, Simons and Gakpo will continue in the attack.
Hakan Calhanoglou and Samet Akaydin return from suspension but Orkun Kokcu and Ismail Yuksek will miss out due to yellow card accumulation.
Quarter-final hero Merih Demiral will look to provide a set-piece threat while Kerem Akturkoglu and Kenan Yildiz lead the counterattacks.
Key stats
- The most recent meetings finished 6-1 to the Netherlands and 4-2 to Turkey
- There have been over 2.5 goals in eight of the Netherlands’ last nine matches
- Cody Gakpo has scored three goals and assisted one in four matches
- There have been over 2.5 goals in all of Turkey’s matches at Euro 2024
