The quarter-final match of the Euro 2024 between the Netherlands and Turkey, scheduled for Saturday at 9 p.m. in Berlin, promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both nations have not reached this stage of the competition since 2008, and the stakes are high. The Netherlands and Turkey qualified by defeating Romania and Austria, respectively. This will be their first meeting in a major tournament, with their last encounter being in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
The atmosphere at Berlin's Olympic Stadium, with a capacity of 75,000, is expected to be electric. The Dutch supporters, known for their vibrant 'orange army,' will face a formidable presence of Turkish fans, many of whom are part of the large Turkish diaspora in Germany. Nearly 200,000 people of Turkish origin reside in Berlin, making up about 6% of the city's population.
However, the match is overshadowed by a diplomatic crisis between Germany and Turkey. The controversy began when Turkish defender Merih Demiral celebrated his goals against Austria in the round of 16 by making the 'Grey Wolves' sign, associated with a far-right Turkish group. This gesture was condemned by German authorities, leading to a two-match suspension for Demiral by UEFA for 'using sporting events for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature.'
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that 'the symbol of Turkish right-wing extremists has no place in our stadiums.' In response, Turkey summoned the German ambassador, and Germany did the same with the Turkish ambassador. The Turkish Foreign Ministry criticized the 'politically motivated reactions' and 'xenophobia' of the German authorities.
Despite the tensions, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend the match. Erdogan's presence underscores the significance of this event for Turkey, especially given the large Turkish community in Germany. Relations between Ankara and Berlin have historically been strained, with disagreements on various issues, including human rights and immigration. Football often becomes a flashpoint, as seen with past controversies involving players of Turkish origin.
As the teams prepare to face off, the focus will inevitably shift to the field. Both sides are eager to prove themselves, and the match promises to be a memorable one. The outcome remains uncertain, but what is clear is that football once again serves as a stage for broader political and social issues.
