Mert Müldür’s own goal secured a thrilling 2-1 victory for the Netherlands over Turkey, booking their spot in the Euro 2024 semi-finals.

Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo thought he had scored in the 76th minute, but replays showed the ball came off Müldür who was attempted to clear the ball. Turkey had taken the lead through Samet Akaydin’s first-half header, and it seemed they might face England in the next round.

However, the Dutch staged a dramatic comeback. Stefan de Vrij’s well-placed header equalized in the 70th minute, before Müldür’s unfortunate own goal from Denzel Dumfries’ cross sealed the win six minutes later.

This marks the Netherlands’ first Euros semi-final appearance in 20 years, since their 2004 defeat to Portugal. They will now face England, who won on penalties against Switzerland, in Dortmund on Wednesday.

The opening 20 minutes were a cagey affair, with neither side threatening. Turkey broke the deadlock in the 36th minute when Arda Guler’s lofted cross found Akaydin, who headed the ball past the bar and into the net.

The Dutch responded with more urgency in the second half. Nathan Ake received a yellow card for a reckless tackle early on, but Turkey nearly doubled their lead in the 65th minute through Kenan Yildiz, who was denied by a sharp save from Bart Verbruggen.

The equalizer finally arrived in the 70th minute. Memphis Depay’s pinpoint cross found de Vrij, who headed powerfully past the goalkeeper. The momentum shifted dramatically, and just six minutes later, the Netherlands took the lead. Dumfries delivered a dangerous pass towards Gakpo, but Müldür’s attempted clearance went into his own net.

The intensity rose in the closing stages, with Turkey desperately searching for an equalizer. However, the French referee, Clement Turpin, blew the final whistle, sending the Dutch through to the semi-finals and leaving Turkey heartbroken.