The Netherlands and Türkiye both kept their best performances of Euro 2024 for the round of 16 when they secured impressive wins to boost their chances of a deep run at the tournament.
By Graham Ruthven
While Romania posed little threat to Ronald Koeman’s side, the Dutch still managed to impose their own game and play a brand of dynamic, attacking football Oranje supporters had been calling for. The Netherlands will now be aiming to carry that forward into the upcoming round.
Meanwhile, Türkiye saw off tournament dark horses Austria in a pulsating round of 16 encounter which saw Merih Demiral – who will be suspended for Saturday’s match – score two goals from corner kicks. Set pieces will be an area Turkey look to make the most of again in the quarter-finals.
Cody Gakpo is the joint-top scorer at Euro 2024 with three goals in four games. The 25-year-old has a tendency to find his best form at major tournaments and has underlined his importance to the Netherlands with a series of impressive performances, most recently against Romania in the last round.
Xavi Simons has also flourished at Euro 2024 with the 21-year-old operating in between the lines. His natural creativity and willingness to drift has given the Netherlands a different dimension in the attacking third. Simons could have a big influence on the quarter-final.
Arda Güler is another attacking difference-maker who could make his mark on Saturday with the Real Madrid teenager already Türkiye’s creator in-chief and greatest goal threat. Vincenzo Montella has been willing to give Güler a free role in his team and that freedom has brought the best out of the 19-year-old.
Hakan Çalhanoğlu will return from suspension for Türkiye after missing the victory over Austria. This could give them more control in the centre of the pitch with the Inter midfielder one of the best deep-lying playmakers in the game right now. Çalhanoğlu might also have license to push higher up the pitch where his long-range shooting could be a threat.
Both teams have performed at their best at Euro 2024 when the handbrake has been let off and they can embrace their chaotic side. If Koeman and Montella are willing to set up their respective sides to play on the front foot, Saturday’s quarter-final in Berlin has the potential to be the most entertaining of the ties in the last eight.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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