EURO 2024 Quarter-Finals: Netherlands’ Stunning Comeback and England’s Penalty Triumph

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Netherlands and England Secure Semi-Final Spots in Thrilling EURO 2024 Quarter-Finals Matches!

Euro 2024 Quarter-finals

The EURO 2024 quarter-finals concluded on Saturday with two exhilarating matches that left fans on the edge of their seats. The Netherlands pulled off a remarkable comeback against Turkey, while England secured their place in the semi-finals with a nail-biting penalty shootout victory over Switzerland.

Netherlands’ Stunning Comeback Against Turkey

Netherlands vs Turkey: The first match of the day saw the Netherlands face off against Turkey in a contest that would determine one of the semi-finalists of EURO 2024. The game began with high expectations, and both teams delivered a captivating performance.

Netherland vs Turkey

Early Chances and Turkey Lead

The Netherlands had an early opportunity to take the lead when Memphis Depay found himself in a promising position. However, the striker’s slip at the crucial moment sent the ball soaring over the bar, much to the disappointment of Dutch fans.

Turkey, on the other hand, capitalized on their chances. Arda Güler, the 19-year-old sensation from Real Madrid, showcased his talent by delivering a perfect cross to Samet Akaydin, who headed the ball into the net. This was Akaydin’s first goal for Türkiye, giving his team a 1-0 lead.

Second Half Turnaround

The second half saw Turkey continue to threaten, with Güler nearly doubling their lead with a curling free-kick that struck the post. The Netherlands, however, were determined not to go down without a fight. Wout Weghorst’s effort hit the side netting, earning the Netherlands a corner. From the resulting set-piece, Stefan de Vrij rose highest to powerfully head the ball into the back of the net, leveling the score at 1-1.

Just minutes later, the Netherlands completed their comeback. Memphis Depay’s cross was awkwardly bundled over the line by Cody Gakpo, sealing a 2-1 victory for the Dutch. The dramatic turnaround sent the Netherlands into the semi-finals, breaking Turkey hearts.

Final Moments

The final minutes of the match were intense, with Turkey desperately searching for an equalizer. Bart Vebruggen made a crucial save in stoppage time, denying Kerem Akturkoglu’s effort and securing the win for the Netherlands. The Dutch team now looks ahead to their semi-final clash with England.

England’s Penalty Shootout Triumph in Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals

England vs Switzerland: In the second quarter-final of the day, England faced Switzerland in a match that would be decided by penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time. The victory booked England’s place in the semi-finals, where they will face the Netherlands.

Formation Change and Tactical Adjustments

England’s manager, Gareth Southgate, opted for a change in formation, switching to a 3-4-2-1 setup. This tactical adjustment aimed to provide more space for Bukayo Saka to exploit down the right-hand side. Saka was indeed the standout performer in the first half, using his pace and directness to trouble the Swiss defense. Despite his efforts, England struggled to create clear-cut chances, and the first half ended goalless.

England vs Switzerland

Second Half Drama

The second half saw Switzerland come close to breaking the deadlock through Breel Embolo. The Swiss striker had multiple opportunities, including a shot that was saved by Jordan Pickford and a header that was collected by the England goalkeeper.

With 15 minutes remaining, Embolo finally found the net, ghosting in at the far post to give Switzerland a 1-0 lead. England responded swiftly, with Saka cutting in from the right and firing a low shot into the far corner to equalize.

Extra Time and Penalty Shootout

Declan Rice thought he had given England the lead in extra time, but his curled effort was brilliantly saved by Yann Sommer. The match remained level after 120 minutes, leading to a penalty shootout.
England’s players held their nerve, with Trent Alexander-Arnold scoring the decisive spot-kick to secure a 5-3 victory in the shootout. This hard-fought win means England will now face the Netherlands in the semi-finals.

Looking Ahead: The Semi-Finals

The EURO 2024 semi-finals promise to be equally thrilling, with the Netherlands set to take on England in a highly anticipated clash. Both teams have shown resilience and determination in their quarter-final matches, setting the stage for an exciting battle for a place in the final.

Key Players to Watch

  • Netherlands: Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, and Stefan de Vrij will be crucial for the Dutch side as they aim to continue their impressive run.
  • England: Bukayo Saka, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Jordan Pickford are expected to play pivotal roles in England’s quest for glory.

Summary

The EURO 2024 quarter-finals delivered unforgettable moments, with the Netherlands’ comeback win and England’s penalty shootout triumph standing out as highlights. As the tournament progresses to the semi-finals, fans can look forward to more high-stakes action and thrilling encounters.

Stay tuned for further updates and in-depth analysis as we follow the journey of these teams towards the coveted EURO 2024 trophy.

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