Netherlands dominates, Turkey’s young stars shine – Sportsnet.ca

The final day of Round of 16 action at Euro 2024 featured a trio of middleweights seeking a shock semifinal berth and one of the game’s behemoths hoping to capitalize on a fortuitous placement in the bracket.

The Netherlands place in the second tier of contenders — behind Germany, France and Portugal – was in doubt following an unimpressive group stage that concluded with a brutal defensive showing against Austria. Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman’s side responded by dominating Romania en route to a spot in the final eight.

It took 57 seconds for Turkey to take the lead over Austria in Leipzig, prompting multiple ‘get to a television’ texts to be sent. Turkey’s group of young stars booked their place in the quarterfinals by sheathing their undeniable flair for a winning formula: Resolute defending, set-piece opportunism, and a dash of Mert Günok brilliance.

Here’s what you need to know about Tuesday’s games at Euro 2024.

THE RESULTS

Romania 0, Netherlands 3 in Berlin: Match report || Match stats

Austria 1, Turkey 2 in Leipzig: Match report || Match stats

MAIN TALKING POINTS

Gakpo Loves The Spotlight

Two years ago Cody Gakpo announced his arrival on the international stage in the most audacious of ways at the World Cup. Three goals in the Netherlands’ first three games caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool, and Gakpo made the €43-million move from PSV to Anfield soon after. While the 25-year-old has registered moments of brilliance for the Reds, it’s his performances for the national team that continue to stand out.

Gakpo was the best player on the pitch by a wide distance in Berlin. It wasn’t just attacking either, though his goal in the 20th minute provided a glimpse of the Dutchman’s lethal ability to cut inside from the left wing even if the right-back and goalkeeper are aware of Gakpo’s plans.

No, Gakpo impressed in multiple departments, including tracking back to support his defenders and displaying soccer intelligence that meshed well with the movement of Memphis Depay and Xavi Simons. Backheels in the Romanian box produced prime scoring chances. Today, everything was working.

Donyell Malen added two late goals to help the scoreline accurately portray the demolition on the pitch. The Austrian debacle is now a distant memory and Koeman’s Oranje look final four worthy.

The Kids Are Alright

The absence of playmaker Hakan Çalhanoğlu and centre-back Samet Akaydin due to suspension for Turkey’s first trip to the knockout stage of a major tournament in 16 years was a source of angst for supporters hoping to usher in a new era with a statement win.

This generation — led by Arda Güler (19), Kenan Yıldız (18) — will do great things, and perhaps soon, but this moment without those veterans felt too early. Ralf Rangnick’s Austria had been one of the surprise teams of Euro 2024, possessing the vaunted Red Bull press that had his side looking like an organized club team, which is high praise in the disjointed world of international soccer.

But the moment wasn’t too much for manager Vincenzo Montella’s side, who had previously delighted fans during this tournament with their attacking prowess. In this match, it was Turkiye’s ability without the ball that impressed, especially after Austria recovered from the initial shock that came from conceding so early. The second half felt more desperate, with the Crescent-Stars sitting in a deep block that invited pressure and seemingly, the eventual equalizer.

It never came. Turkey survived sustained Austrian attacks and pounced via set piece for Demiral’s second and eventual game-winning goal. Günok’s last-second save will justifiability garner the attention, but the sight of defender Abdülkerim Bardakci celebrating a late tackle as if it were a goal and the sound that followed from supporters in the stadium felt like a massive moment, not just for this game, but for the program as a whole.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“This was the answer we had to our last performance — good game, good goals, we played good football. Of course we could do better but a good showing after the last game. A good step in that next direction.”

Cody Gakpo, dedicated advocate of total good football.

HAIRSTYLE OF THE DAY

Marcel Sabitzer failed to pull ‘this’ off.

STAT OF THE DAY

THREE STARS OF THE DAY

1) Cody Gakpo (Netherlands): His great form may be masking bigger issues, namely getting more goals from the Netherlands’ other attackers that aren’t named Wout Weghorst. But Malen’s brace should quiet those concerns and the other tweaks the manager made, including introducing Steven Bergwijn into the starting lineup to free up Denzel Dumfries on the right, felt prudent.

2) Merih Demiral (Turkey): This is why we love sports. The centre-back hadn’t tallied two goals in a season during his club career. Demiral’s unlikely brace overshadowed the massive shift put in by a backline led by himself, Bardakci and Kaan Ayhan

3) Mert Günok (Turkey): The best save ever? Is that a ridiculous statement? Consider the moment. The Beşiktaş goalkeeper secured a place beside the legends of Turkish soccer thanks to his game-saving stop on Christoph Baumgartner in the final seconds of added time. Günok was terrific all match as the Austrians descended on his goal, but that save…wow.

LOOKING AHEAD

We now know the final eight countries that will vie for Euro 2024 glory. Here’s a look at the quarterfinals:

Friday, July 5th – Spain vs. Germany in Stuttgart, 12 p.m. ET

Friday, July 5th – Portugal vs. France in Hamburg, 3 p.m. ET

Saturday, July 6th – England vs. Switzerland in Düsseldorf, 12 p.m. ET

Saturday, July 6th – Netherlands vs. Turkey in Berlin, 3 p.m. ET

This is going to be fun.