The Euro 2024 semifinal match between the Netherlands and England was nothing short of spectacular. Held on Wednesday, the game was filled with drama and excitement, continuing the trend set by the previous day's thrilling match between Spain and France.
In a nail-biting finish, England managed to defeat the Netherlands in stoppage time, securing their place in the final.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions for fans of both teams. England and the Netherlands both showed incredible skill and determination.
The detailed minute-by-minute action kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The game was a testament to the high level of competition in Euro 2024, with both teams giving their all to reach the final.
One of the most talked-about phenomena of Euro 2024 has been the viral dance craze known as “Orange Madness.” The dance tune “Links Rechts” or “Left Right” by Snollebollekes has taken the tournament by storm.
Thousands of orange-clad Dutch fans have been seen dancing in unison to the song, which has become the unofficial anthem for the Dutch national team.
Videos of fans dancing before matches have spread joy globally, adding a unique flavor to the tournament.
The Dutch players themselves have embraced the dance craze. After beating Turkey in the quarterfinals, they performed the song on the pitch.
The dance has even caught the attention of the Berlin Police and the Leipzig fire service, who have participated in the fun on social media. Rob Kemps, the lead singer of Snollebollekes, finds it magical how widely embraced the song has become, noting its spread beyond Holland to Germany and other countries.
“Links Rechts” was inspired by crowd movements during another song and was released in 2015. Kemps, originally a comedian, was asked to front Snollebollekes over ten years ago.
The band continued producing fun and popular songs, leading to Kemps joining as a singer. The song gained popularity among Dutch soccer fans after the women's team won the European Championship in 2017. Known as “orange madness,” it symbolizes unity among Dutch people abroad during events like Euro tournaments.
England's journey to the final has been filled with challenges and triumphs. They faced the Netherlands in Dortmund in the second semifinal, aiming to reach back-to-back European Championship finals.
oth teams had to come back from conceding the opening goal in their quarterfinals. England beat Switzerland in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, while the Netherlands won 2-1 against Turkey.
Gareth Southgate, England's coach, defended his cautious tactics as “streetwise” after facing backlash from fans. Despite incidents of plastic cups being thrown at him during a group-stage game, Southgate remained focused on leading his team to victory.
The Netherlands were the highest-ranked team England had faced so far, following games with Serbia, Denmark, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Switzerland.
The game was refereed by Felix Zwayer, who had ties to a match-fixing scandal in Germany. England's Jude Bellingham was fined €40,000 ($43,400) in 2021 for criticizing Zwayer while playing for Borussia Dortmund.
The Dutch team experienced travel disruptions due to a canceled train journey from Wolfsburg because of a “blockage” on the line, forcing them to fly instead.
England's Kieran Trippier has been playing left wing-back but tends to cut inside, limiting the use of the left wing. Luke Shaw returned from injury against Switzerland and is fit to start if selected by Southgate.
Southgate faces a decision between Ezri Konsa and Marc Guéhi for center defense; Guéhi is eligible again after suspension. Harry Kane‘s fitness is under scrutiny after cramping up against Switzerland; Ivan Toney scored one of England’s penalties off the bench.
For the Netherlands, coach Ronald Koeman might keep an unchanged lineup for the third consecutive game with Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, and Steven Bergwijn up front.
The Netherlands scored first only once out of five games at Euro 2024 (against Romania), while England last scored first against Denmark in the group stage.
The Netherlands hasn’t reached a European Championship final since winning it in 1988 and were last semifinalists in 2004. England has played an hour more than the Netherlands over the last ten days due to extra time against Slovakia and penalties against Switzerland.
The Dutch wrapped up wins over Romania and Turkey without needing extra time.
The match between the Netherlands and England was filled with key moments and highlights. Bukayo Saka’s goal was England’s first shot on target against Switzerland at minute eighty.
Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick was their first shot on target one round earlier during added time of the second half. Cody Gakpo (Netherlands) and Dani Olmo (Spain) are top scorers left with three goals each; Gakpo's fourth goal was ruled an own-goal.
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are top scorers for England with two goals each.
Luke Shaw praised Gareth Southgate for his faith and trust despite criticism from fans. Southgate emphasized focusing on possibilities rather than potential failures as they progress further into the tournament.
Dutch defender Micky van de Ven expects high intensity and hopes that his team will have more ball possession than England.
The Euro 2024 final will be held in Berlin on Sunday. Spain aims to win their fourth European title, which would be a record achievement.
The winner of the England vs. Netherlands match will face Spain in the final, promising another thrilling contest for soccer fans worldwide.
In conclusion, Euro 2024 has been a tournament filled with excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments. England's victory over the Netherlands in the semifinal sets the stage for an epic final against Spain.
Fans eagerly await the final showdown, hoping for more spectacular performances and memorable moments.
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