The Netherlands, led by Ronald Koeman, will face Turkiye in the Euro 2024 quarterfinal match at the Olympiastadion Berlin on Saturday. This high-stakes encounter comes with several key talking points, primarily revolving around the absence of suspended players.
Donyell Malen, a key figure for the Dutch, scored two goals in the quarterfinal against Romania but also received a yellow card, his second of the tournament. This accumulation of yellows has resulted in a one-game suspension for Malen, meaning he will miss the crucial clash against Turkiye.
Meanwhile, Turkiye will be without their starting centre-back, Merih Demiral. While Demiral’s absence is not due to injury or card accumulation, he has been suspended for two matches by UEFA. This decision stems from a controversial gesture Demiral made after Turkiye’s round of 16 victory against Austria.
UEFA cited Demiral’s actions as a violation of the general principles of conduct, basic rules of decent conduct, and using sports events for non-sporting manifestations. They also stated that his gesture brought the sport of football into disrepute.
Demiral, who scored both goals in the 2-1 victory over Austria, celebrated his second goal with a hand sign associated with an ultra-nationalist group. This gesture, widely recognized as belonging to the Turkish ultra-nationalist organization Ulku Ocaklari, known as the Gray Wolves, has led to the suspension.
With these key players sidelined, the Netherlands and Turkiye will have to adjust their strategies for this pivotal Euro 2024 encounter. The absence of these players will undoubtedly have a significant impact on both teams’ performances, adding another layer of intrigue to this already captivating match.
