Netherlands coach Koeman: We defied doubters at Euro 2024

The Netherlands will meet England in the Euro 2024 semifinals in Dortmund, Germany, on Wednesday, and coach Ronald Koeman believes that his team proved their doubters wrong by coming so far at the continental tournament.

The Dutchmen didn't have the easiest path to the semifinals, as they only finished in third place in Group D after losing to Austria 3-2. Two of their three wins were secured by overcoming one-goal deficits in the second half, including defeating Türkiye in the quarterfinals on July 6.

"I think, for the whole nation, it is something special," Koeman said after the victory. "We are a small nation and to be part of the semifinal with England, France and Spain, we are really proud. We had to suffer tonight, but in the whole Euros there is not an easy one."

"It was really an emotional match and we had a big heart and sometimes we get criticism about that, that we don't have that compared to other nations. The players showed a big heart tonight after going 1-0 down," Koeman added.

Wednesday's game will be the first Euros semifinals for the Netherlands since 2004.

Their opponents England, also went through a lot of difficulties and criticism to reach this stage at the tournament. For example, both of their knockout games went to extra time after the Three Lions allowed the other side to score first.

Koeman disagreed that his players will be fresher than their English counterparts after finishing off Romania and Türkiye in 90 minutes of regular time.

"If you win the match, that always gives a good feeling," the coach said. "We need to recover like England. It is not the physical difference between them and us. We played on the same day, we need to travel like them. It is not the physical that will decide the result. It will be a great night on Wednesday between two big nations, historic-wise."