Netherlands in the European Championship semi-finals - Oranje "pest" Weghorst wants to become England's nightmare
When Dutch fans tuned in to their Euro anthem, Wout Weghorst became the life of the party. First, he hopped back and forth in front of the packed Orange stand, then, driven by Cabin DJ Denzel Dumfries and the hit "Viva Hollandia," Weghorst hopped carelessly through the dressing room.
As the wildcard, whose substitution significantly contributed to the hard-fought 2:1 quarterfinal victory against Turkey, stepped out of the Berlin Olympic Stadium catacombs past midnight, he only grinned mischievously.
"We had a great time. These are moments for life, it's crazy and pure joy," gushed the Dutch football national player, replaying the impressive scenes once more. Weghorst praised the passionate performance of the team, the fighting spirit of the entire squad, and looked forward to the upcoming semifinal against England on Wednesday. "I'm ready," he sent as a battle cry to Harry Kane and Co.
Wildcard and Game-Changer
It was around 0.30 am when the Orange players, freshly showered, left the dressing room and faced the questions of the journalists. One name was omnipresent: Wout Weghorst. The forward loaned to TSG Hoffenheim last season had been brought on by Coach Ronald Koeman in all five EM games. In the opening match against Poland, he scored the crucial 2:1 winning goal with his first ball contact. Against the Turks, his entry provided the decisive impetus.
Whether as a ball-winner in his own penalty area, a ball-retriever in midfield, or a provider in attack - the trained striker was everywhere. "It's a nightmare to play against him. He's strong, he's a nuisance in the penalty area, and he fights for everything, he chases after everything. He's a great addition for us," praised teammate Nathan Aké and tried to instill fear in the English.
Weghorst was like the game-changer in the packed Berlin Witches' Cauldron. After the deserved leadership by Samet Akaydin (35'), he drove his teammates forward and took responsibility. The reward: First, the equalizer by Stefan de Vrij (70'), and later the own goal by Mert Müldür (76'), who with his toe-poke took the record for the sole top scorer of this EM from Cody Gakpo.
The Kid on the Bench
Even Gakpo didn't want to talk about his near goal. "He's tall, he's good in the air, he fights for every ball that flies into the penalty area. I'm very happy that Wout was Wout today," praised Gakpo instead of his teammate. For TV expert Lothar Matthäus, Weghorst was the "Game-Changer."
No one spoke about the political debates that overshadowed the game. No one spoke about the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who wanted to strengthen his team in the midst of the wolf's salute scandal. The praise for Weghorst made much more fun. "With the guys on the bench, we can really pull something off," Aké concluded and referred to the "factor substitute player."
Right was to dig out - that will also be necessary when the Dutch team plays against the rather glittering, yet unpleasant English on Wednesday. The dream of the second European title since 1988 is alive. "It's really there. The feeling was always there and it's growing, it's getting bigger and bigger," reported Weghorst.
Koeman: In the final, I'd prefer to play against Spain
Oranje trainer Ronald Koeman evaluated the entry into the semifinals as a success for the whole country. "I think this is something special for the whole nation. We are a small nation and we are playing in the semifinals against England, Spain, and France. You have to be proud of this team," said the head coach and added: "Sometimes we are criticized because we are supposed to play with too little heart compared to other nations. But the players have shown today that they have big hearts."
The big heart should bring the Dutch back to the Olympiastadion. Because the final takes place there on Sunday. The belief is great - so great that Koeman even spoke of a favorite opponent in the final. "If we play the final, I'd prefer to play against Spain, because we already had France in the group."
- Ronald Koeman, the Oranje coach, expressed his pride as Dutch fans watched their Euro anthem, with Wout Weghorst becoming the night's entertainment.
- Weghorst's impact was significant in all five European Championship (EM) games, showcased by his winning goal against Poland in their opening match.
- Beyond his goal-scoring ability, Weghorst was praised for his ball-winning skills, midfield retriever role, and goal-providing contributions.
- Team captain Nathan Aké spoke in awe of Weghorst, describing the forward as a "nightmare" due to his strength, penalty box dominance, and relentless pursuit of the ball.
- The TSG 1899 Hoffenheim loan player, Denzel Dumfries, served as Weghorst's dance partner in the dressing room after the wild victory against Turkey.
- With the Dutch squad's impressive team performance and fighting spirit, Weghorst looked forward to the semifinal against England, expressing his readiness as a "battle cry" to Harry Kane and his teammates.
- Cody Gakpo, the scored-to-miss ratio wonder from the Netherlands, refrained from commenting on his near goal, instead lauding Weghorst for his physicality and determination in the penalty area.
- Lothar Matthaüs, TV expert, celebrated Weghorst as the "game-changer" in the packed Berlin Witches' Cauldron, whose contributions led to crucial equalizers and own goals.
- Following the quarterfinals victory, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit and political debates were overshadowed by the unanimous praise for the exuberant Weghorst.
- Koeman reflected on the Oranje team's entry into the semifinals, voicing his belief that the squad embodies the heart and spirit of the nation, often criticized for alleged lack of passion compared to other teams.
- With the Dutch national team aiming for a second European title since 1988, Koeman, a potential Dutch favorite in the final, indicated a preference for a rematch against Spain.
