The ultimate day of Spherical of 16 motion at Euro 2024 featured a trio of middleweights searching for a shock semifinal berth and one of many recreation’s behemoths hoping to capitalize on a fortuitous placement within the bracket.
The Netherlands place within the second tier of contenders — behind Germany, France and Portugal – was doubtful following an unimpressive group stage that concluded with a brutal defensive displaying in opposition to Austria. Netherlands supervisor Ronald Koeman’s aspect responded by dominating Romania en path to a spot within the ultimate eight.
It took 57 seconds for Turkey to take the lead over Austria in Leipzig, prompting a number of ‘get to a tv’ texts to be despatched. Turkey’s group of younger stars booked their place within the quarterfinals by sheathing their plain aptitude for a successful method: Resolute defending, set-piece opportunism, and a splash of Mert Günok brilliance.
Right here’s what you might want to find out about Tuesday’s video 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 Highlight
Two years in the past Cody Gakpo introduced his arrival on the worldwide stage in probably the most audacious of the way on the World Cup. Three targets within the Netherlands’ first three video games caught the attention of Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool, and Gakpo made the €43-million transfer from PSV to Anfield quickly after. Whereas the 25-year-old has registered moments of brilliance for the Reds, it’s his performances for the nationwide workforce that proceed to face out.
Gakpo was the most effective participant on the pitch by a large distance in Berlin. It wasn’t simply attacking both, although his objective within the twentieth minute supplied a glimpse of the Dutchman’s deadly capacity to chop inside from the left wing even when the right-back and goalkeeper are conscious of Gakpo’s plans.
No, Gakpo impressed in a number of departments, together with monitoring again to assist his defenders and displaying soccer intelligence that meshed properly with the motion of Memphis Depay and Xavi Simons. Backheels within the Romanian field produced prime scoring probabilities. Right this moment, every part was working.
Donyell Malen added two late targets to assist the scoreline precisely painting the demolition on the pitch. The Austrian debacle is now a distant reminiscence and Koeman’s Oranje look ultimate 4 worthy.
The Children Are Alright
The absence of playmaker Hakan Çalhanoğlu and centre-back Samet Akaydin because of suspension for Turkey’s first journey to the knockout stage of a serious event in 16 years was a supply of angst for supporters hoping to usher in a brand new period with an announcement win.
This technology — led by Arda Güler (19), Kenan Yıldız (18) — will do nice issues, and maybe quickly, however this second with out these veterans felt too early. Ralf Rangnick’s Austria had been one of many shock groups of Euro 2024, possessing the vaunted Pink Bull press that had his aspect trying like an organized membership workforce, which is excessive reward within the disjointed world of worldwide soccer.
However the second wasn’t an excessive amount of for supervisor Vincenzo Montella’s aspect, who had beforehand delighted followers throughout this event with their attacking prowess. On this match, it was Turkiye’s capacity with out the ball that impressed, particularly after Austria recovered from the preliminary shock that got here from conceding so early. The second half felt extra determined, with the Crescent-Stars sitting in a deep block that invited strain and seemingly, the eventual equalizer.
It by no means got here. Turkey survived sustained Austrian assaults and pounced through set piece for Demiral’s second and eventual game-winning objective. Günok’s last-second save will justifiability garner the eye, however the sight of defender Abdülkerim Bardakci celebrating a late sort out as if it had been a objective and the sound that adopted from supporters within the stadium felt like an enormous second, not only for this recreation, however for this system as an entire.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“This was the reply we needed to our final efficiency — good recreation, good targets, we performed good soccer. After all we may do higher however an excellent displaying after the final recreation. A great step in that subsequent route.”
Cody Gakpo, devoted advocate of complete good soccer.
HAIRSTYLE OF THE DAY
Marcel Sabitzer failed to drag ‘this’ off.
STAT OF THE DAY
THREE STARS OF THE DAY
1) Cody Gakpo (Netherlands): His nice type could also be masking greater points, specifically getting extra targets from the Netherlands’ different attackers that aren’t named Wout Weghorst. However Malen’s brace ought to quiet these issues and the opposite tweaks the supervisor made, together with introducing Steven Bergwijn into the beginning lineup to unencumber Denzel Dumfries on the precise, felt prudent.
2) Merih Demiral (Turkey): That is why we love sports activities. The centre-back hadn’t tallied two targets in a season throughout his membership profession. Demiral’s unlikely brace overshadowed the huge shift put in by a backline led by himself, Bardakci and Kaan Ayhan
3) Mert Günok (Turkey): The perfect save ever? Is {that a} ridiculous assertion? Think about the second. The Beşiktaş goalkeeper secured a spot beside the legends of Turkish soccer due to his game-saving cease on Christoph Baumgartner within the ultimate seconds of added time. Günok was terrific all match because the Austrians descended on his objective, however that save…wow.
LOOKING AHEAD
We now know the ultimate eight nations that may vie for Euro 2024 glory. Right here’s a take a look at the quarterfinals:
Friday, July fifth – Spain vs. Germany in Stuttgart, 12 p.m. ET
Friday, July fifth – Portugal vs. France in Hamburg, 3 p.m. ET
Saturday, July sixth – England vs. Switzerland in Düsseldorf, 12 p.m. ET
Saturday, July sixth – Netherlands vs. Turkey in Berlin, 3 p.m. ET
That is going to be enjoyable.
