Turkey laud 'great spirit' after Euro 2024 defeat to Netherlands

Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella said his team earned the respect of the football world after their spirited Euro 2024 campaign ended with a 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.

Having reached the last eight of a major competition for the first time since 2008, Turkey took the lead against the Dutch in Berlin through Samet Akaydin's header and looked set for more glory.

However Stefan de Vrij levelled and Murt Muldur tragically turned into his own net, sending Netherlands through to the semi-finals to face England.

"The team played with a great spirit, a Turkish spirit, in spite of the defeat the Turkish people love us," the Italian coach said.

"The players made us proud in playing this European Championship. I'll add something else - after this Euros, Turkey will be seen with different eyes in the future, probably with more respect."

Montella said even though his team threw away their advantage, this was not the time for criticism.

"It's better in this moment to highlight what has gone well," insisted the coach.

"I have no regrets, the players should have no regrets too... we won three games at a Euros so we matched the Turkish record.

6 - @OnsOranje reached the semi-finals of the European Championship for the sixth time in history, with only Germany reaching the last four more often at the EUROs (9 times). Orange. pic.twitter.com/0fN4LsTp61

"The players have acquired a lot of experience. For how we played and what we showed. There is a great sympathy in Turkey for this team and by other football lovers in other countries. This is just the foundation, we need to keep growing. The future is on our side."

Meanwhile, Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman said his team showed great character to come from behind to