EURO 2024: Netherlands stage comeback to book semi-final spot against England

The Netherlands reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals with a remarkable 2-1 comeback win over Turkey on Saturday.

Turkey took an early lead but were eventually dethroned by Inter Milan stars Stefan de Vrij and Denzel Dumfries, who played vital roles in the clash that sets the Dutch side up to face England next.

Turkey broke the deadlock when Samet Akaydin headed in Arda Guler’s cross at the back post after a corner, taking advantage of a defensive lapse by the Dutch.

Arda Guler almost doubled Turkey’s lead with a free kick that struck the post in the 55th minute.

The Netherlands drew level when Stefan de Vrij headed in from a Memphis Depay cross following a short corner routine.

The goal marked his first international goal since March 2015. The Dutch then took the lead when Denzel Dumfries set up Cody Gakpo, who bundled the ball over the line in a tussle with Mert Muldur.

Turkey’s hopes dimmed further when goalscorer Samet Akaydin was stretchered off after colliding with Micky van de Ven.

Turkey nearly found an equalizer on 85 minutes, but shots from Zeki Celik and Kerem Akturkoglu were blocked, with the former’s attempt cleared off the line by van de Ven.

Netherlands will now battle it out with England who picked a win against Switzerland on penalties, earlier in the day.