Since the beginning of this European Cup, probably no game has produced so many successful prophets. Before the match between the Netherlands and Türkiye, the vast majority of industry insiders and fans predicted that the Netherlands would win.
↑Netherlands player Gakpo (top) competes with Turkish players Akaedin (left) and Ayhan during the game.
However, as far as the game process is concerned, contrary to people's speculation, the Dutch team did not have much advantage. Both sides played good football for half of the game. In the second half when the Dutch team was dominant, Turkey's offense was not weak at all, but luck was not on their side. Guler hit the post with a free kick, and Türkiye itself conceded an own goal. In many previous competitions, the Dutch team has played the role of tragic hero. This time it is Turkey's turn. If Türkiye wants to become a top team in the future, this may be an experience that must be experienced.
The reason why the Dutch team was overwhelmingly optimistic before the game was because they defeated Romania in the quarter-finals. In fact, Romania's strength is somewhat overestimated. They only played one good game in this European Cup, beating Ukraine 3-0, largely because of the latter's abnormal performance. Netherlands 3:0 Romania, the gold content is not enough. Encountering Türkiye, the pressure on the Dutch team on both offense and defense immediately increased several times.
An important reason why Turkey was underestimated before the game was that central defender Demiral, who scored twice in the last game, was suspended for 2 games due to problems with celebration gestures. However, this did not weaken Turkey's strength. Akaydin replaced Demiral and also assisted by Guler to complete the goal. It can be seen that Türkiye's offensive and defensive system is quite mature. The players are to the team just like cells are to the organism. In the quarter-finals against Austria, the suspension of the team's core Calhanoglu did not significantly reduce Turkey's strength, let alone Demiral.
Among the world's top football teams, the Dutch team's overall performance in competitions is not good, but their fan base is huge. The reason is very simple. After the game against Romania, head coach Koeman said in an interview: "We are Dutch, we must play offensive football!" In addition to winning or losing, fans also attach great importance to the enjoyment of the game. In this regard, the Dutch team Never disappoint "food and clothing parents".
In this European Cup, it is said that Fan Zhiyi accurately predicted many games and was almost considered a god. However, his prediction that the French team would defeat the Swiss team to win the championship in the finale has failed in advance. General Fan's prediction reflects the psychological expectations of many fans to a certain extent. At least there is a dark horse that can reach the finals. However, although there are no underdogs in Europe, it is too difficult for "Danish fairy tales" and "Greek myths" to be born. When the top four reach the semi-finals, it usually becomes a "rich family feast." Unfortunately, this time, the old script is played out again.
The only time in the history of the Dutch team to win a major competition was in 1988, which was also the European Cup in Germany. At that time, the Dutch team had the so-called "Three Musketeers" Van Basten, Gullit, Rijkaard, and today's head coach Koeman. Now this Dutch team no longer has a world-class superstar, but it still has a heart for offensive football. So when they entered the semi-finals, many fans expected them to defeat England, which plays "hypnotic football", and don't let fans fall asleep while watching the live broadcast of the final.
Compared with Turkey, the Dutch team, which has more foundation, is more likely to challenge England on behalf of the fans...
Written by Zhu Hui
