The Netherlands and Turkey are set for a thrilling encounter in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, with a place in the semi-finals on the line. Here’s a look ahead of the match, including team news, lineups, and predictions:
Netherlands vs Turkey: Predicted Lineup
Netherlands (4-3-3):
- Formation Breakdown:
- Defence: A solid back four with experienced Virgil van Dijk and Stefan de Vrij marshalling the centre. Denzel Dumfries provides an attacking threat from right-back, while Nathan Ake offers balance on the left.
- Midfield: A three-man midfield with Teun Koopmeiners holding the fort defensively alongside the energetic duo of Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders. Their job is to control the tempo and transition defence to attack.
- Attack: Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen will provide pace and trickery on the flanks, while Memphis Depay spearheads the attack with his creativity and goalscoring prowess. Xavi Simons, a young talent, could play just behind Depay in a free-roaming role.
Turkey (4-2-3-1):
- Formation Breakdown:
- Defence: Turkey will likely miss the suspended Merih Demiral, with Samet Akaydin returning to partner Abdülkerim Bardakcı in central defence. Mert Müldür offers pace on the right, while Ferdi Kadıoğlu provides attacking impetus from left-back.
- Midfield: With Orkun Kokcu and İsmail Yüksek suspended, the onus falls on Okay Yokuşlu and Salih Özcan to provide a solid defensive shield in midfield.
- Attack: Hakan Çalhanoğlu returns to orchestrate play behind the attacking trio of Yunus Akgün, Burak Yılmaz, and Arda Güler. Akgün’s creativity and Güler’s youthful exuberance could pose a threat to the Dutch defence.
Team News
The Dutch started the tournament unconvincingly, but a dominant display against Romania in the last round has boosted their confidence. Forward Cody Gakpo has been in red-hot form, scoring and assisting in the win. With a strong history in major tournament knockout stages, the Netherlands will be looking to continue their Euro 2024 journey.
Turkey defied expectations by knocking out group-stage dark horses Austria in the last 16. They boast a dangerous attack with youngsters Arda Güler and Yunus Akgün in top form. Despite a slight chance according to predictions, the Turks are high on morale and ready to cause an upset.
Netherlands vs Turkey Predictions:
- Dutch Favoritism: The Netherlands boast a strong record in knockout stages and have a full squad available. Experts still favour them despite Turkey’s recent upset.
- High-Scoring Encounter: Both teams have shown attacking prowess, with Turkey scoring in every game.
- Tight Match: Despite Dutch favouritism, Turkey’s fighting spirit and recent upset could make it close. Experts predict a close contest, with a 2-1 Netherlands win a possibility, but a Turkish victory wouldn’t be a surprise.
Related article: England vs Switzerland: Euro 2024 Quarter-Final Lineups, Predictions, Team News
