Euro 2024: 'We had a big heart,' says coach Ronald Koeman after Netherlands beat Turkiye to reach semis

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has said that the Dutch have answered their critics by reaching their first Euro semifinal since 2004 edition. The comments came after the Netherlands beat Turkiye 2-1 on Saturday (Jul 6) in the quarterfinal.

The Dutchmen were criticised for 'not having heart' during previous games in the tournament but Koeman said that players showed enough heart in their come from behind victory.

"I think for the whole nation it is something special," said the Dutch coach in a news conference after the game.

"We are a small nation and to be part of the semifinal with England, France and Spain, we are really proud."

"We had to suffer tonight but in the whole Euros there is not an easy one."

"It was really an emotional match and we had a big heart and sometimes we get criticism about that, that we don't have that compared to other nations. The players showed a big heart tonight after going 1-0 down," he added.

The Netherlands conceded a goal in the 35th minute of the match against Turkiye and the score card remained same till 70th minute. It was Stefan de Vrij who scored the equaliser for the Dutch before Mert Muldur's own goal gave the Netherlands a decisive lead.

The Dutch will next face England in the second semifinal. Gareth Southgate's team, however, had to win both their knockout games in penalties.

Speaking on the possibility of the Dutch players being fresher than their English counterparts, Koeman said: "We need to recover like England. It is not the physical difference between them and us. We played on the same day, we need to travel like them. It is not the physical that will decide the result.

"It will be a great night on Wednesday between two big nations, historic-wise," he added.