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Follow the outcome of the second European Cup semi-final in 2024
There appears to be little to choose between the Netherlands and England heading into the second semi-final of UEFA EURO 2024.
The Netherlands qualified third in the group, but met Romania, who was of average strength, in the knockout round and won easily. However, they faced Turkey, a non-European first-tier team, in the last battle and won a thrilling victory. The Oranje have conceded 5 goals in 5 games this year, including against Poland, Austria and Turkey, all of which were defeated first. The defense lacks concentration. When it comes to England, which is hot and strong in this game, it will inevitably be in a tough battle.
Shackling Saka
Bukayo Saka has been England’s most dangerous outlet in Germany, with defenders struggling to read his bursts of pace. The Arsenal man will often slow right down to walking pace with the ball at his feet, tempting the defender to jump in, before darting out of reach to the byline for a cutback or to the edge of the box for a shot on goal. Knowing it’s about to happen is one thing; stopping it is another altogether.
The England winger’s direct opponent is likely to be Nathan Aké. The two have frequently gone head-to-head before, in confrontations between Arsenal and Manchester City. Meanwhile, the Aké/Cody Gakpo tandem has been a feature of the Netherlands’ matches in Germany, and Ronald Koeman is unlikely to want to break up a winning combination – at both ends.
But there is another option: Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, another who knows Saka from the Premier League. The 23-year-old’s speed is the stuff of legend and he made some excellent defensive blocks after coming on against Türkiye.
Laukisauer is expected to recover from injury
In addition, the British army also has good news in terms of personnel transfer. The left goalkeeper Lao Jisuer, who has been recovering from injury, finally returned from injury and came on as a reserve in the last battle and performed well. If this player can be the first choice in this game, it will make the team decisive. The offense and defense are more balanced, and with the return of backbone Mark Guhibo after serving his sentence, the defense is more stable.
Furthermore, although captain forward Halikani was injured late in the overtime game, it is reported that he is still expected to recover in time; with the cooperation of Zudi Biningham, Phil Cotton and Bukayo Shaka, etc. High-quality forwards will attack the tough points, and the British army has the ability to reach the finals again after the last time.
Danger down the Dutch right
Full-back, winger, assist provider, goalscorer – Denzel Dumfries is the archetypal everyman on the Dutch right flank. The Oranje’s shape in the round of 16 victory over Romania was tailored to his strengths. Steven Bergwijn, nominally stationed on the right wing, often drifted inside, which cleared the way for Dumfries to bomb forward, which he did repeatedly.
Without a left-footed player on that side, England’s left wing has been stymied in an attacking sense, yet defensively Kieran Trippier has been solid. His positioning and work rate mean he’s rarely caught out. Luke Shaw’s potential return may restore balance going forward, albeit his lack of match practice could be tested by Dumfries’ all-action style.
Dutch super back-up Weghers becomes Plan B
The Orange Army used the same lineup in the last two knockout rounds, but Bei Yunji’s performance on the front line was average. He may be replaced by Xie Lime Feilimbang in this game. Arrowhead Dibby has been heavily used by coach Langnuo Gaowen, but he has been plagued by injuries in recent years and has more than enough strength and lack of power. The team often needs backup center Weggers to come on stage before the striker becomes more threatening. He is expected to be tasked with scoring goals. It will fall first on Gap, who has already scored 3 goals.
The opponent England had to fight to overtime in two consecutive knockout rounds, and even exchanged 12-yard shots to pass the game, but the team’s morale gradually improved. In every game, the coach of the British Army, Scheufky, started with a stable formation and did not take risks to attack. This was also related to the opponent’s weak strength and defensive style of play. However, tonight they encountered the Netherlands, which played more aggressively, and the “Three Lions” The offensive zone is expected to get more room to play.
