EURO 2024: Netherlands, Turkey advance to quarter-finals

The Netherlands booked an exciting clash with Turkey in the quarter-finals of EURO 2024 after thrashing Romania 3-0 on Wednesday (AEST) in Munich.

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo put the Dutch in front in the 20th minute with an excellent finish, scoring his third goal of the tournament.

The goal took Gakpo level with Germany’s Jamal Musiala, Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze and Slovakia’s Ivan Schranz in the race for the Golden Boot.

Despite missing several chances, the Oranje never dropped their heads, as Donyell Malen came off the bench to score two crucial goals late in the second half.

Soccer betting sites have the Netherlands slated as -161.29 favourites to beat Turkey (+416) in the last eight.

Online bookmakers also have the Dutch at $8 to win the European Championship, behind the likes of England (+350), Spain ($5), France (+450) and Germany (+450).

Meanwhile, Merih Demiral stole the show as Turkey beat fellow dark horses Austria 2-1 in Leipzig.

The 26-year-old defender, who plays in the Saudi Pro League, put his side ahead in the first minute and then doubled the lead moments before the hour mark.

Although Austria got themselves back in the match in the 66th minute through substitute Michael Gregoritsch, that was as good as it got for Ralf Rangnick’s side.

With the victory, Turkey set up a quarter-final date with the Netherlands in Berlin on Sunday.

Beaten 6-1 by the Dutch in their last meeting, Turkey are the weakest team in the last eight, as the top EURO 2024 betting sites have them pegged at $21 to lift the trophy.

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