Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo and Guler shine.
Cody Gakpo
Gakpo and Guler Shine Bright
In a dramatic Euro 2024 quarter-final clash set for Saturday in Berlin, the Netherlands are gearing up to face Turkey with both teams buoyed by standout performances from rising stars Cody Gakpo and Arda Guler.
Netherlands’ Resurgence Led by Gakpo
The Netherlands, whose sole Euro triumph dates back to 1988, have seen a resurgence led by Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo. Despite a challenging season at Anfield overshadowed by Mohamed Salah, Gakpo has come alive on the international stage.
Koeman’s Praise for Gakpo
“Pierre van Hooijdonk rightly labeled Gakpo as our star,” said Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands’ coach, in an interview with Dutch channel NOS. “He brings solidity and is incredibly important to us.”
Gakpo’s Crucial Contributions
Gakpo’s prowess extends beyond goal-scoring. His crucial assist to Donyell Malen in the 3-0 victory over Romania highlighted his ability to make game-changing contributions.
Turkey’s Defensive Strength and Guler’s Impact
On the opposing side, Turkey is relying on the talents of Real Madrid’s Arda Guler. Despite facing injury setbacks and limited opportunities in Spain, Guler has shone brightly during the latter stages of the season.
Guler’s Standout Performances
His performances have been instrumental in Turkey’s journey to the quarter-finals, including a standout goal against Georgia and pivotal contributions in their 2-1 win over Austria.
Goalkeeping Battle and Atmosphere Advantage
In goal for Turkey stands Mert Gunok, whose remarkable saves have drawn comparisons to Gordon Banks’ legendary block against Pele in the 1970 World Cup.
Support Advantage for Turkey
Off the field, Turkey enjoys a significant advantage in fan support. With approximately three million Turkish expatriates residing in Germany, the Olympiastadion in Berlin is expected to be awash with fervent Turkish support.
Netherlands’ Strategy and Recovery
Meanwhile, the Netherlands are keen to bounce back from a disappointing group-stage defeat to Austria, which threatened their progression in the tournament.
