No Turkish delight: Mert Muldur own goal sends Netherlands into semis

BERLIN, July 7

An own goal by Mert Muldur completed a dramatic comeback for Netherlands on Saturday as they overcame a tenacious Turkey 2-1 to book a Euro 2024 semifinal meeting with England.

The defender bundled the ball into his own net in the 76th minute under pressure from Cody Gakpo as the Dutch bounced back from a poor first-half display to win a bruising clash and complete the final-four line-up. France and Spain meet in the other semifinal.

Stefan de Vrij had equalised only six minutes earlier after Turkey went into the break 1-0 up from Samet Akaydin’s 35th-minute header.

Turkey rode waves of passionate support at the Olympiastadion to put themselves on course for an unlikely semifinal place but, after keeping the Dutch at bay, they finally succumbed to the pressure in the last 20 minutes.

“We knew it was going to be tough so I’m really pleased that we made it through,” said Dutch coach Ronald Koeman. “It’s a win not only because we were probably the better side but also because we showed fight and we did not give up.”

Uruguay knock Brazil out

Uruguay edged Brazil 4-2 in a penalty shootout in Paradise on Saturday after going down to 10 men in a bruising 0-0 draw to march into the semifinals of the Copa America where they will face Colombia. Defending champions Argentina take on Canada in the other semifinal.

Sergio Rochet saved Brazil’s first penalty in the shootout from Eder Militao while his teammate Douglas Luiz hit the post to give Uruguay the upper hand.

Although keeper Alisson Becker denied Jose Maria Gimenez and Gabriel Martinelli scored to keep Brazil alive, Manuel Ugarte buried the decisive spot kick as Uruguay advanced.

James Rodriguez scored one goal and set up two more as Colombia thoroughly dismantled Panama in a 5-0 win in Glendale to march into the semifinals. — Reuters