European Football Championship - Netherlands ahead of Turkey game: Romania performance as a benchmark
After the Netherlands' entry into the EURO semi-finals, national coach Ronald Koeman demanded more top performances on the way to the Berlin final. "The performance against Romania was extraordinary, and we need such performances to have a chance to go on," Koeman said after the 3:0 EURO quarter-final win against Romania.
"That's the level. If we slip below that level, we won't make it to the final," the 61-year-old said. Cody Gakpo (20th minute), from Liverpool FC, led the criticized Dutch squad under Koeman. Donyell Malen (83rd and 90+3rd) decided the game and could celebrate at the stadium of their big Bundesliga rival. In March, Malen had missed the 2:0 win of Dortmund.
"But we are Dutch"
"The result is always the most important thing," Koeman said, who won the European Championship as a player in 1988. "But we are Dutch, and in Holland, we have to play beautifully and show attacking football. But to win, that's the hardest."
Turkey won on Tuesday evening in Leipzig with a 2:1 (1:0). Merih Demiral scored the fastest goal in the knockout stage of an EURO and in the 59th minute. Freiburg's Michael Gregoritsch (66th) scored the equalizer.
Koeman: Reason for good games
The match between Turkey and the Netherlands, who want to be European champions like in 1988, takes place on Saturday in Berlin. "We have great talents in the team," Koeman said. "Of course, you have to win something." But football today is different than in the 1980s. "Every team has its own problems to overcome," Koeman, a former defender who played in England and Portugal, said. "That's great because then you see good football games."
The 25-year-old Gakpo was asked about his memories of the first Netherlands' quarter-final entry since 2008. "There are many memories," the offensive player said. "Now we're here and trying to create our own memories with the team."
The Grandfather
Koeman can rely on a good-luck charm: his grandfather. "In the letter of my grandfather was the result 3:1 and a nice drawing," Koeman said. "It's not quite the result, but it's great to feel this support."
- The Netherlands, currently in the EURO semi-finals, aim to maintain their top performance under coach Ronald Koeman, eyeing the final in Berlin.
- Germany, known for their strong Soccer team, will be waiting in the round of sixteen for the Dutch squad, fresh from their win against Romania.
- Koeman praised his team's performance against Romania in the EURO quarter-final, with Liverpool FC's Cody Gakpo being a key player.
- The Netherlands and Turkey will face off in Berlin, with both teams looking to replicate their past glory in the European Football Championship, with the Netherlands winning in 1988.
- In the knockout stage, Turkey managed a 2:1 win against their opponent, setting a stage for an exciting match against the Netherlands.
- After scoring against Dortmund, Donyell Malen contributed to the Dutch team's 3:0 win against Romania, securing a spot in the upcoming match against Turkey.
- In the city of Munich, known for its famous Bavarian culture, FC Liverpool's Cody Gakpo played a significant role in the Dutch squad's EURO victory.
- Ronald Koeman, the Dutch national coach and former European Champion, looks forward to the match against Turkey, reminding his team of the importance of maintaining strong performances and adhering to their attacking style of football.
