In the EURO 2024 Quarter-Finals, the Netherlands will face Turkey this evening. As the match kicks off at 22:00 at the Berlin Olympic Stadium, both national teams have expressed sentiments of friendship. Social media has been abuzz with these messages, which serve to soften the competitive atmosphere and send a strong signal of unity and camaraderie among football fans.
Oyunun tutkusunu paylaşıyoruz. ❤️🤍 https://t.co/F181dxwDPW
— Türkiye #BizimÇocuklar 🇹🇷 (@MilliTakimlar) July 6, 2024
The Netherlands National Team account posted an image of Turkish and Dutch fans walking shoulder to shoulder at the Berlin Olympic Stadium, accompanied by the message, “Share your love for the game.” This heartfelt post was warmly received by football enthusiasts. In response, the Turkish National Team account quoted the message, adding, “We share the passion for the game.” These friendly exchanges underscore that the competition will remain on the field, strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two nations.
Turkey’s national team coach, Vincenzo Montella, made significant remarks ahead of the quarter-final match. Montella expressed his views on a recent controversy involving a political symbol, saying, “I think it is unfair. This is not a political symbol. It is a symbol of our history.” He elaborated on the team’s preparation and determination, stating, “We play to write history. We are ready for tomorrow’s match and hope to continue. Every player’s mental and physical state can differ, and sometimes we need to make changes. The constant in our starting eleven is team spirit. We will do our utmost to reflect this on the field.”
Montella further emphasised the importance of their national identity and pride, “I think it is unfair. This is not a political symbol. It is a symbol of our history, of being Turkish and feeling proud of it. Unfortunately, the decision-makers added a different interpretation. We are saddened by this perceived injustice, but it will motivate us even more.”
Dutch football legend Marco van Basten criticised UEFA’s disciplinary decisions in an interview with Dutch media outlet NOS. Van Basten questioned, “When they feel a behaviour is wrong, shouldn’t the Turks themselves issue the punishment? Who is UEFA to say ‘You can’t do this’? Now, you’re allowing politics to interfere again and deciding to suspend a player. Then you say, ‘They are making it political’, right? This is really strange. Stay true to football!” His comments once again brought UEFA’s decisions and their impact on football into the spotlight.
Following his two-match ban from UEFA for celebrating with the ‘Grey Wolves’ gesture after the Austria match, fans showed support for Merih Demiral. In a vivid display of solidarity, supporters made the ‘Grey Wolves’ sign in the stadium. One fan, dressed in a Grey Wolves costume, became the centre of attention in what turned into a red and white carnival atmosphere. This fan support highlighted the strong nationalistic pride and unity within the Turkish football community.
