After the one goal defeat against Austria, the Dutch are performing well in Euro 2024. They have reached the semi finals of Euro 2024.
Criticism on Netherland’s defeat
In Euro 2024 Austria defeated Netherland where Austrian skipper Marcel Sabitzer scored the winning goal. So, the Dutch national team faced criticism.
According to BBC Sports former Netherland player Bolo Zenden said,
“The manager always gets the most criticism when the team is not performing. With the Dutch, you can lose a game but do it by playing in a certain style of football and confidence that reflects us – and that was lacking. That is why Koeman got criticism. The likes of Van Dijk got criticism because he was obviously not in the right position when the Dutch conceded those goals against Austria. That’s not what we expect from him because he plays at such a high level for Liverpool and so consistently. It was obvious he made mistakes.“
The Dutch storm in Euro 2024
Although the orange army started with a defeat in the group stage, but they kept on improving their performances. The Dutch resurgence began in the match against Romania where Cody Gakpo scored a brilliant goal against them. He launched a rocket from his right foot. Currently he is the leading goal scorer of Euro 2024. Eventually they defeated Turkish National team.
In Euro 2024 Turkey have really performed well. Players like Arda Guller, Hakan Cahanoglou, Cenk Tosun, Burak Yilmaz have lit up the tournament with their talents. Turkey fought back after they got defeated by Portugal.
Both Netherlands and Turkey met each other in the quarter final of Euro 2024 where Memphis Depay led the Dutch attack. Players like Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons, and Denzel Dumfries joined him in the attacking transition. Although Turkey scored the first goal against Netherlands, but the Dutch defender Stefan De Vrij equalized the score line with a textbook header.
Few minutes later, Mert Muldar scored a own goal for the Dutch. This goal has proved to be the winning goal for Netherlands.
Expert’s opinion on Netherland’s Euro performance
Recently the Dutch are playing fluent and effective football. In Euro 2024 they have focused on the wing play. Mempis Depay and Denzel Dumfries are linking up at the right hand flank of the pitch.
Bolo Zenden added,
“The game against Austria was a bit of a wake-up up call. I don’t think they played particularly well. We knew how Austria would play but it seemed they were surprised by it. That was strange. I thought they would be prepared. They had some talks internally and put things straight. It paid off against Romania. They played solid and created a lot of chances. The confidence is totally back.”
Dutch fan Thomas has said,
“There’s always a chance we can go all the way. Van Dijk is still our strongest defender. He is one of the best in the world and a great leader. He had a bad game against Austria but that’s it.”
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