As the countdown continues to the Euro 2024 quarter-final clash between the Netherlands and Turkiye, legendary Dutch coach Guus Hiddink gives his assessment of the match.
The 77-year-old coach, who previously coached the national team, made the statement via Dutch media outlet Sportnieuws.nl.
Criticism Opportunism
After the 3-2 defeat against Austria, the team was heavily criticised. These criticisms were a bit opportunistic. Everyone was gearing up again and had doubts about the Netherlands. Now they played a good game and everyone sees us as European champions. It’s a very opportunistic situation, but that’s the world of football.
I got the message “You will be a champion”
Everybody watched the football against Romania. The reaction is like one game. Now we’re getting messages from all over the world, from Australia to Russia, saying, “You’re going to be European champions.” This is the other extreme, but it’s good for the Netherlands.
“We won’t have many problems against Turkey.”
I would say that the road to the final is “easy” for the Netherlands. Of course, anything can happen in football, but I don’t think it will be much of a problem against Turkey, for example. Important players will be suspended. This match should not be a problem for the Netherlands.
“The final chapter can make a difference.”
“The Netherlands have the qualities to break games early and our players should be able to do that, but if they don’t, we need to neutralise Turkey after the first hour. We backed down with 30 minutes left against Austria. Our players can make a difference on this.”
