Dutch defender Nathan Ake says he is “very close” to realizing his dreams as he prepares to face England in the Euro 2024 semi-finals.
They had to come from behind beat Turkey 2-1 on Saturday, but the Netherlands’ biggest test could come against England.
It will be familiar territory for Ake, who plays for Manchester City in the Premier League and will face several club teammates.
“I’m looking forward to it. I know a lot of Premier League players,” Ake said.
“We know their individual qualities and it’s a semi-final, so it will be difficult.
“We went through difficult phases at the beginning of the tournament and now we have another test, so I think we are ready for this.
“Underdog or not, it doesn’t matter. We focus on ourselves. We know what we need to do. We’re very close now.”
‘You can play good football but still leave’
Both sides advanced to the semi-finals despite facing criticism from fans and the media.
England, which needed a penalty shootout to beat Switzerland in the quarter-finals, he was runner-up in 2021, but has managed to qualify so far.
Plastic cups were thrown at manager Gareth Southgate after the goalless draw with Slovenia, and he was booed and heckled throughout.
Ake says “every team in the semi-finals deserves to be there”, but the Dutch were also unimpressed, failing to flatter themselves in the group stage and playing a weak first half against Turkey.
Liverpool striker Cody Gakpo, the tournament’s top scorer, said: “England won so it’s a good sign – like us! In the end it’s the most important thing.
“You can play good football but still come out. Obviously, I think everyone knows that every country can play a little bit better, but if you win, that’s all that matters.”
Dutch coach Ronald Koeman says his team “will have to fight” but is excited by the prospect of two “great nations” facing each other.
“England have good players, but I think we also have good players,” he added.
“Now we are going to play in Dortmund, one of the most beautiful stadiums where you can play. I’m also very proud of our fans.
“We’re in the semi-finals and nobody expected that.”
